“The world changed so drastically… in just a year and a half?”

“It didn’t even take that long, probably even less than a year. Wasn’t Japan where this dungeon is? I heard they surrendered in less than a week.”

“I heard that America, supposedly the strongest, surrendered surprisingly fast, too.”

“The Empire had been preparing for a long time…”

“Wait, so they transport here on purpose? That’s seriously unfair…”

If they target us intentionally, they could have gathered information from the “wanderers” over the years and prepared thoroughly.

I’m not sure which period of Earth those wanderers from, but Termina Empie would be able to counter Earth’s weapons if they knew about them.

I’ve read plenty of novels where Japan dominates after getting transported to another world, but I never imagined the reverse.

At best, you’d see a portal open, Tokyo getting attacked by otherworlders, then Earth retaliating and dominating with modern weaponry. (Gate Jietai)

But an entire continent from another world coming to Earth, and those people actually conquering the world with weapons strong enough to rival or exceed nuclear missiles… all within such a short time?

No matter how prepared they were, just how overwhelming was their power?

Could it be that they have strategic weapon stronger than nuclear warheads?

It’s crazy. The Empire is something else.

After all, that is a world where dungeons have existed for thousands of years.

The people there are naturally more physically capable than humans from Earth, and they can use skills.

If every common soldier were C-rank, bullets wouldn’t even work on them.

Combine that with scientific knowledge and alchemical or magical knowledge they gathered from wanderers, and of course, they’d be able to make powerful weapons.

Given that modern humans from Earth could end up in that world, it makes sense this could happen.

I just never thought about it because I assumed an otherworld setting meant medieval technology and culture.

That’s just a common setup in novels.

Going to a world where magical science is developed would make an “I’m the strongest” plot hard to pull off.

Even if I were told to write a story like that, nothing would come to mind.

Damn it… I wonder if the members of Blade Demons are still alive. At the very least, I want to settle the score with the Explorers Association and those guys.

“Have you been in this dungeon the whole time?”

“Hm? Yeah, about a year and seven, maybe eight months? Something like that.”

“What!? You’ve been in a dungeon that long!?”

“That’s amazing…”

“Uhh… if the rabbit were in a dungeon that long, I’d go insane…”

“Haha, I might’ve lost my sanity a couple of times myself. Well, I had my reasons to prevent that though. By the way, what floor are we on here?”

“Eh? It’s the 41st floor…”

“No way…”

So this dungeon has 100 floors… and I still have 40 to go? Finding stairs is a pain, even if the floors are getting smaller in size

It will take at least another four months down here.

And when I get back up to the surface, Japan might not even exist anymore…

Argh, thinking about it now won’t help. Let’s put it on hold!

“Did Akutsu forget which floor he was on? Did you get caught in a teleportation trap?”

“Yeah… that’s what happened. Anyway, forget that for now. So, those who died… and you guys…”

“Yes. As you can see, we’re slaves. In the Empire, anyone who’s not human is enslaved.”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

So it’s like what the old books described… Those two, the red-haired woman and the orange-haired man, had slaves with them?

“So… that collar?”

“Yes, if I disobey orders, it tightens. Akutsu, we’re truly grateful for your help, but we have a favor to ask…”

“Don’t worry. It’s natural to lend a hand to those in need. Just say the word.”

How could anyone turn down beautiful women like these? An elf? A cat-girl? And a bunny-girl?

Being asked for a favor is like a gift! I hope they repay it with something…

“Thank you. No human has ever shown us such kindness.”

“Akutsu… you’re a good guy.”

“Earthlings are so kind… nothing like the Empire.”

“You must have had a rough time. Alright, ask me anything!”

I get a little carried away when pretty girls flirt with me.

“Hehe, you’re around 20, right?”

“Not much older than me!”

“Older than the rabbit, though…”

“Actually, I’m older than I look. So, what’s your request?”

I drank a Rejuvenation Potion. I’m totally look like a 20 y.o boy.

“Well… I’ve been ordered not to leave here. So, could you take Liz and Sheena to the surface?”

“Hey! Estina! I won’t leave you behind!”

“Yes! We’re supposed to return together!”

“It’s impossible… If I move, this collar will kill me. I can’t bear to see you two suffer with me. Akutsu is strong. He can get you both to the surface safely.”

Wait… so she’s under orders to stay here, and if she defies them, the collar will strangle her.

So that red-haired woman… used her as a meat shield against monsters?

Unforgivable… these Terminan people are disgusting. I can’t even see them as humans if they do things like this.

And that collar…

“There’s no way! I’m not leaving a comrade who fought alongside me, even if they served lousy masters!”

“The rabbit haven’t repaid you yet! I’ll stay here and protect Estina!”

“I appreciate it, but you can’t stay here forever. I can’t resist this collar. We don’t have food or water, either. It’s hopeless. I don’t want you two suffering because of me.”

“Exactly. I received the same order, but since that awful woman died nearby, the command was lifted. But Estina, if Sheena reaches the surface and informs the Marquis that you’re alive, they might come to get you. Elves are rare. So, Akutsu, please take care of Sheena.”

“Fuueehh! But what will you two do in the meantime? Can you survive against that Earth Dragon alone? Our survival chances go up if the rabbit stay, and the Marquis can’t ask Akutsu, right? Eep…”

Im now also people from a conquered country

I probably can’t meet the Marquis, but they’re good friends for wanting to stay together.

I might as well help them out.

“Got it. I’ll listen your wish Estina. But I’ll also take you to the surface, too.”

“It’s impossible, which is why… Actually, if I die here, Liz and Sheena would give up on me.”

“No! Estina!”

“Estina! You can’t!”

“Estina. You’re not going to die. I won’t let you be killed over something so ridiculous. Soon, you’ll be free… [Demon Vanquisher].”

“Huh?”

“What!?”

“Fuuueeeeh!?”

I moved behind Estina and drew out the magic from the collar she was wearing. The collar immediately slipped from her neck, tumbling down to her feet.

Upon inspection, the collar turned out to be a simple magical item known as a “Slave Collar.”

There were no curses involved; it was powered by two magic stones set at the back of the collar—most likely one as the main power source and the other as a backup for when the stone needed replacing.

As a mass-produced item, it would only function as long as a magic stone was installed.

If there had been some unknown function I couldn’t detect, I could always use a “Large Heal” spell while fully charging a magic iron sword to cut through it.

That’s why I prepared myself when I moved behind Estina. If it can slice through a dragon scale, then a mere magic collar would be no problem.

“With this, you can come to the surface with us, Estina.”

“Huh…? The collar… it’s off… the… the thing that has been tormenting me… ugh… ugh…”

“Estina… I’m so glad… really…”

“Estina-san ! Wahhh! Estinaaa-saaann!”

Estina quietly cried as she stared at the collar rolling away. Liz placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, while Sheena clung to her waist, sobbing.

To think I’d bring her to tears… It just goes to show how much she suffered because of this collar.

It’s so unfair to try to control someone like this… I really want to help these girls.

Anyway, we need to get to the surface.

There’s so much to think about, whether it’s Japan or the Empire. But right now, what matters most is to help these girls who are suffeing and being treated unfairly.

I can think about myself once I find a way out.

“Estina, just removing the collar might not change your fate. But until we get to the surface, you’ll no longer be under anyone’s orders. Please, enjoy the freedom everyone deserves. And if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me.”

At the very least, until we escape, I want her to experience freedom like any other girl.

To forget the dreadful slave system while she can.

And I want to be here to support this beautiful elf with all my heart.

“Freedom… like when I was a child… sniff… Akutsu, I… I don’t know how to thank you… thank you so much…”

“Akutsu, thank you. I don’t fully understand what’s happened, but that collar was something we hated. Every time we tried to remove it, it just tightened around our necks. Some warriors, in desperation, would deliberately disobey orders during the magic stone replacement to endure the torment and wait until the backup stone ran out, but I could never manage it. And now, it came off so easily…”

“Oh? Is that possible? Should I take yours off too, Liz?”

If there was a precedent, maybe I could do the same to the collar if there comes the day I am enslaved.

“You… really? Once we leave, we’ll probably be forced with these again since we’re combat slaves. But just a brief taste of freedom… please, if you can, free me too. And Sheena!”

“W-Wait, no… the rabbit can’t keep depending on you, Akutsu-san…”

“No need to thank me; it’s not much trouble… [Demon Vanquisher.]”

I cast [Demon Vanquisher] on Liz and Sheena’s collars, releasing them.

“Whoa! It’s really off! Ha! Take that, collar! Break! Break already! Serves you right! Haha!”

“Whew… it’s finally off… now my neck won’t itch anymore. Thank you, Akutsu-san…”

“You’re welcome.”

Wearing that thing all the time must’ve caused irritation and itching, especially if they weren’t able to bathe regularly.

I bet Sheena was originally a pure white rabbit; now she’s a bit gray. The Empire really treats these girls poorly!

I… I want to help them wash up. Every last inch, meticulously!

“Sheena, if anyone asks, the collar was removed because those foolish noble women forgot to swap the magic stone and it ran out because we stay in the dungeon for too long. Understood?”

“Yes! It’s because of the stone running out of magic!”

“All right! Let’s go rummage through their supplies and see if there’s anything useful, maybe even some food.”

“Yes, I’m going to strip them off!”

“No need. I’ve got food, water, a nice bath, and even soft beds.”

To encourage them to stay, I decided to flaunt like a noveau-riche

“Huh? A bath? Wait… Akutsu-san, you have a magic tent?”

“Whoa! Really? Magic tent with a large room, a bath, a toilet, and even a kitchen?”

“Whaaat? A magic tent? I heard that even nobles rarely get their hands on one of those.”

“Yeah, I’ve got the nice one. So… wanna come over?”

“But, we can’t take advantage of you anymore…”

“I’m coming! I’m starving and need a bath!”

“Yes! Bunny here would like a bath, too!”

“Oh, Liz! Sheena! You… I-I’d like to go, too…”

Yes! I may got nervous at the invitation a bit, but I think it came off natural enough.

Maybe it’s a bit underhanded to lure them in with luxuries, but my intentions are pure.

I want to see them smile, to help them feel some joy again.

I would do the same if they were guys, too.

Of course, if they were men, they’d get the soldier’s tent, separate from mine.

But with these lovely ladies, I’m providing the Luxury Grade tent, and that’s just… well, only natural.

Naturally, I do want to get closer to them.

Who wouldn’t be drawn to such beauty? Elf, Kemonomimi!

I want to make their time with me feel as luxurious and enjoyable as possible. I wanna pamper them and make them feel happy.

Yes! A win-win situation!

Thank you, unknown skeletons! Farewell, lonely days! Welcome to my happy days!

Wow, the dungeon is suddenly fun!

With games I made during my alchemy training, we can laugh and enjoy ourselves.

Living under one roof, I might run into them in the bath, or mistakenly open the door while they’re changing—those are just natural accidents, right?

I mean, with three of them, it wouldn’t be surprising for it to happen daily.

This… could be a chance to find a girlfriend.

According to what I read, this world even has polygamy.

So, they might be open to the idea of a harem. I might just be able to make this dream a reality.

I should start with small gestures, like light touches, and gradually build more intimate skin touch. Remember, patience is key.

Thus began my days of happiness until we reached the surface.