Chapter 4 – Building the Demon King castle (part 2)

“Johann. Look!”

“Y-yes… What is it?”

With an extremely worn out look, Johann took a piece of paper from Felukia. This was the 37th one. They were all drawings about the design of the castle.

“This time, I tried making it look cool.”

“I-I noticed… It’s a really good shape isn’t it?”

The designs that she drew, all of them weren’t really typical for a Demon King castle. Those castles shouldn’t be anything else other than wicked and robust, in addition to being gorgeous and gaudy. And without exception each of her designs displayed cats.

What he received now from Felukia, was a design from which you could easily imagine that a child drew it. In the middle was the face of a cat. Big cats might be the next coat of arms for the castle. Additionally, in the entrance lay a cat, on the spire stood a cat, another lay sprawled out on the roof. In fact, as long as there was room for it, there was a cat.

Felukia-chan… This is not a Demon King castle is it? More like a cathouse… He wanted to interject but he put up with it, as he smiled while looking at the drawing.

“Yeah… As for this time… On the outer walls of the castle, the large cat decorations are a little… How should I say it, it kinda hurts the scenery…”

“…Johann, can’t you make this?”

“With pleasure, I’ll do it!”

When he looked at those dimmed eyes, he couldn’t refuse any further. He made the determination that the defining feature of the Demon King castle will be that it looks like a residence for cats.

…Huh? What part of the castle will I build now?

“Hmm… The foundation will soon come to an end?”

Three days passed since the start of construction. The foundation work done with [Ground bringer] would be done by noon. The problem of lacking Metallized stone has been solved by the diligently mining golems, who were all coming back at the same time. As for the work remaining, it’s only the actual construction job.

But before that, he still needed to do one thing to enjoy himself.

“Hey, Felukia. Just look a little at this.”

“Hmm?”

Johann spread out a big piece of paper in front of Felukia. This was the interior design plan for the castle.

“Look at this, we will create the castle together.”

If they were to discuss the plans, their dream for the castle could grow and develop. They discussed such things as which room was to be the study and where to place furniture. To be able to dream up a house was the most enjoyable time you could have in this world.

Johann let Felukia experience this fun for herself.

“……!”

As expected, Felukia was completely drawn into it. If he thought about what future he could have at the castle, his chest swelled up. If she made a request with such a facial expression, Johann would happily oblige.

During the daytime, Johann sat on the ground for [Ground cultivation], but once again had nothing to do. So during his downtime, he steadily worked on the interior design plan.

Like a typical Demon King Castle, he was considering various areas such as a huge maze, a magma pond, a magical library and a treasure vault. Although the previous castle also stored all kinds of treasures, it had now been seized by the heroes. Even if a treasure vault was made, there wouldn’t be anything to put in it. However, for these things the atmosphere was also important. First of all it should be made as real as possible, so they would come after it.

“Well then, shall I explain one by one? First, the open space of the first floor will be the castle’s trap room. You know. To turn away invaders, it’s not that easy.”

“No.”

Johann halted his explanation when Felukia muttered softly.

“Eh?”

“It’s boring. It needs to be more fun.”

Felukia grabbed a pen in her hand, and added something to the plan.

“Put toys in. Bears.”

“Aaah….”

The trap room, it was filled with illustrations of teddy bears until they didn’t fit anymore.

He couldn’t install traps like this. If Felukia would be playing happily in such a place, it would be dangerous to set traps inside.

…Well…. Just one room like this is fine, right?

“Next, the magical library. There are no books at the moment, but in order to collect precious grimoires so Felukia can study-”

“I hate studying. Difficult books, Felukia hates those.”

Felukia grabbed the pen again, and added a section to the library.

“Add picture books. And Felukia wants snacks and toys.”

「…………」

The atmosphere steadily died…

This child, her hobbies were literally those of a little girl. Looking appropriate for a Demon King her age, or seeming like a little girl, it was obvious which won. He considered it very good if that was the case, but regarding the architecture it was a little rough…

“After this.”

What Felukia pointed at, was where the magma pond was planned to be built.

“Felukia hates magma. It is too hot. Instead, fill it with cats.”

The last part of the drawing was filled with cats.

What is this?

The room which was to serve as a barrier against invaders, was transformed into a lovely space with teddy bears. The magical library was turned into an ordinary nursery, and the magma pond was now a cat pond. It was just horrible, not a soul who approached the Demon King’s castle would think it was anything other than a children’s playing area.

…In this tragic before and after scenario, Johann held his hands against his head.

“The image…the original image…”

Because of how different it was which he was about to make, his pride as an architect was shaken. This really turned into a cat mansion. He wondered if it was really alright building it like this.

But, he could not go against what Felukia was suggesting. In front of a free-spirited kid, an adult would feel powerless. Even the architect’s pride, before this girl he was willing to throw it away. Because at any rate, this was a castle for Felukia.

“Hey, Johann.”

Felukia bounced up and called Johann’s name.

“Let’s buy a cat!”

With a face as bright as a sunflower, Johann was tightly hugged from behind.

“Mhm. That’s alright. Be sure to feed it…”

Felukia’s head was patted. She narrowed her eyes, and let Johann know that pleased her. Felukia already wanted to live together in the castle with Johann.

Looking at the girl’s circumstances, Johann had to remember at all costs. The reality that he could encounter his ex hero-colleagues.

「………………」

It has only been a few days, but Johann had already grown completely attached to Felukia. The talk about this would be harsh, it would completely ruin her smiling face.

However, it should not remain concealed.

After the castle has been been completed, he had to be sure to tell the truth.

※

By noon, the earth cultivation was finally over. Plenty Metallized stone was gathered; the preparations for construction were completed.

Johann stood in the vicinity of the construction area, while Felukia stood beside him to watch the construction work that would happen after this.

“Felukia. This will be dangerous, can you not move from there until it is over?”

“Yes!”

Felukia was firmly warned. Afterwards, Johann took a deep breath several times. It’s been a while since he built a castle. He could not permit to make a mistake. Johann calmed down his mind, and put his right hand forward.

[Immortal strength: permanent buff!]

The center of the construction area. The stack of Metallized stone was piled up like a mountain, when Johann’s skill was used.

It was a skill to give every possible reinforcement buff to the construction materials. This effect was permanent, and would not ever be lifted unless the building itself was destroyed or Johann undid it.

“Strengthen the defense, weather deterioration prevention, automatic repair, debuff invalidation, attribute invalidation…”

A great number of buffs were granted to the materials, enhanced until they couldn’t anymore.

In addition, another skill was used.

[Substance alteration: Matter change!]

The state of the Metallized stone changed from solid to liquid. It became a gooey silvery liquid. It was like a rare monster called the Metal slime.

And finally Johann said.

“Let’s start! [Superior technique: Construction] !”

At the moment the skill was activated, the liquid Metallized stone changed its shape all at once. A large amount of the metal was divided into two, one took the shape of a giant castle, while the other had already taken the form of a castle gate.

“Fuoooooooooooo!”

To the unexpected changes, Felukia gave a big cheer.

The Metallized stone was very durable, and with Johann’s skills you could freely change its shape. Well, calling it “stone” anymore… Before the materials would be used in Johann’s construction process, the raw materials themselves were to be buffed, where afterwards they were put in a [Liquid metal] state. And at the end the shape was built with [Superior technique: Construction] which was the focus of the [Architecture] skill.

[Superior technique, Construction] was the ability to manipulate materials freely and create buildings with it. If you had the power, you would even be able to build a huge building on just your own. And, in a very short time.

Furthermore…

“Uuuh… Here should come the face of a cat?”

The advantage of the liquid metal was that you could shape it to will easily. You could even tinker with the details, although you had to be careful to not distort the shape already formed. Johann looked at the design of the castle gate drawn by Felukia, and he made it just like that. Thus, he continued to manipulate the Metallized stone, and the Demon King Cat castle was completed with ease.

Now, the Metallized stone was especially easy to handle. For example, wood or bricks had distinctly different manufacturing methods, as you would need to think about the frameworks and direction of the materials. Because they could not be moved freely like a liquid, you would have to concentrate further in the construction than he did now. Especially in the case of building castles and the like, it would be a considerable task, even though you were manipulating the material with the skill.

Johann considered the quality of work with the Metallized stone as good. Gradually the shape of the castle was put in order, the fiddling with the details coming to an end as well. Only the finishing touches were left.

[Firmness conversion: Hard ＆ Dyeing color]

The liquid metal solidified while having maintained the adjusted shape. It was silver, but transformed into a pastel pink before your eyes. It was not a natural color for a Demon King castle, but it was to Felukia’s liking.

“Ohhhhh!”

When her desire took form, she hopped up and down.

This was different from the previous castle; it wasn’t ominous but cheerful instead. Many towers extended gorgeously into the sky, completely befitting of royalty. The trademark being the big cat face in the center. Before the castle gate stood three cat faces.

Felukia’s ideal castle, built by Johann’s hands.

Chapter 4 Building the Demon King castle part 2Johann. Look!Y-yes What is it?With an extremely worn out look, Johann took a piece of paper from Felukia. This was the 37th one. They were all drawings about the design of the castle.This time, I tried making it look cool.I-I noticed It's a really good shape isn't it?The designs that she drew, all of them weren't really typical for a Demon King castle. Those castles shouldn't be anything else other than wicked and robust, in addition to being gorgeous and gaudy. And without exception each of her designs displayed cats.What he received now from Felukia, was a design from which you could easily imagine that a child drew it. In the middle was the face of a cat. Big cats might be the next coat of arms for the castle. Additionally, in the entrance lay a cat, on the spire stood a cat, another lay sprawled out on the roof. In fact, as long as there was room for it, there was a cat.Felukia-chan This is not a Demon King castle is it? More like a cathouse He wanted to interject but he put up with it, as he smiled while looking at the drawing.Yeah As for this time On the outer walls of the castle, the large cat decorations are a little How should I say it, it kinda hurts the sceneryJohann, can't you make this?With pleasure, I'll do it!When he looked at those dimmed eyes, he couldn't refuse any further. He made the determination that the defining feature of the Demon King castle will be that it looks like a residence for cats.Huh? What part of the castle will I build now?Hmm The foundation will soon come to an end?Three days passed since the start of construction. The foundation work done with Ground bringer would be done by noon. The problem of lacking Metallized stone has been solved by the diligently mining golems, who were all coming back at the same time. As for the work remaining, it's only the actual construction job.But before that, he still needed to do one thing to enjoy himself.Hey, Felukia. Just look a little at this.Hmm?Johann spread out a big piece of paper in front of Felukia. This was the interior design plan for the castle.Look at this, we will create the castle together.If they were to discuss the plans, their dream for the castle could grow and develop. They discussed such things as which room was to be the study and where to place furniture. To be able to dream up a house was the most enjoyable time you could have in this world.Johann let Felukia experience this fun for herself.!As expected, Felukia was completely drawn into it. If he thought about what future he could have at the castle, his chest swelled up. If she made a request with such a facial expression, Johann would happily oblige.During the daytime, Johann sat on the ground for Ground cultivation, but once again had nothing to do. So during his downtime, he steadily worked on the interior design plan.Like a typical Demon King Castle, he was considering various areas such as a huge maze, a magma pond, a magical library and a treasure vault. Although the previous castle also stored all kinds of treasures, it had now been seized by the heroes. Even if a treasure vault was made, there wouldn't be anything to put in it. However, for these things the atmosphere was also important. First of all it should be made as real as possible, so they would come after it.Well then, shall I explain one by one? First, the open space of the first floor will be the castle's trap room. You know. To turn away invaders, it's not that easy.No.Johann halted his explanation when Felukia muttered softly.Eh?It's boring. It needs to be more fun.Felukia grabbed a pen in her hand, and added something to the plan.Put toys in. Bears.Aaah.The trap room, it was filled with illustrations of teddy bears until they didn't fit anymore.He couldn't install traps like this. If Felukia would be playing happily in such a place, it would be dangerous to set traps inside.Well. Just one room like this is fine, right?Next, the magical library. There are no books at the moment, but in order to collect precious grimoires so Felukia can study-I hate studying. Difficult books, Felukia hates those.Felukia grabbed the pen again, and added a section to the library.Add picture books. And Felukia wants snacks and toys.The atmosphere steadily diedThis child, her hobbies were literally those of a little girl. Looking appropriate for a Demon King her age, or seeming like a little girl, it was obvious which won. He considered it very good if that was the case, but regarding the architecture it was a little roughAfter this.What Felukia pointed at, was where the magma pond was planned to be built.Felukia hates magma. It is too hot. Instead, fill it with cats.The last part of the drawing was filled with cats.What is this?The room which was to serve as a barrier against invaders, was transformed into a lovely space with teddy bears. The magical library was turned into an ordinary nursery, and the magma pond was now a cat pond. It was just horrible, not a soul who approached the Demon King's castle would think it was anything other than a children's playing area.In this tragic before and after scenario, Johann held his hands against his head.The imagethe original imageBecause of how different it was which he was about to make, his pride as an architect was shaken. This really turned into a cat mansion. He wondered if it was really alright building it like this.But, he could not go against what Felukia was suggesting. In front of a free-spirited kid, an adult would feel powerless. Even the architect's pride, before this girl he was willing to throw it away. Because at any rate, this was a castle for Felukia.Hey, Johann.Felukia bounced up and called Johann's name.Let's buy a cat!With a face as bright as a sunflower, Johann was tightly hugged from behind.Mhm. That's alright. Be sure to feed itFelukia's head was patted. She narrowed her eyes, and let Johann know that pleased her. Felukia already wanted to live together in the castle with Johann.Looking at the girl's circumstances, Johann had to remember at all costs. The reality that he could encounter his ex hero-colleagues.It has only been a few days, but Johann had already grown completely attached to Felukia. The talk about this would be harsh, it would completely ruin her smiling face.However, it should not remain concealed.After the castle has been been completed, he had to be sure to tell the truth.By noon, the earth cultivation was finally over. Plenty Metallized stone was gathered; the preparations for construction were completed.Johann stood in the vicinity of the construction area, while Felukia stood beside him to watch the construction work that would happen after this.Felukia. This will be dangerous, can you not move from there until it is over?Yes!Felukia was firmly warned. Afterwards, Johann took a deep breath several times. It's been a while since he built a castle. He could not permit to make a mistake. Johann calmed down his mind, and put his right hand forward.Immortal strength: permanent buff!The center of the construction area. The stack of Metallized stone was piled up like a mountain, when Johann's skill was used.It was a skill to give every possible reinforcement buff to the construction materials. This effect was permanent, and would not ever be lifted unless the building itself was destroyed or Johann undid it.Strengthen the defense, weather deterioration prevention, automatic repair, debuff invalidation, attribute invalidationA great number of buffs were granted to the materials, enhanced until they couldn't anymore.In addition, another skill was used.Substance alteration: Matter change!The state of the Metallized stone changed from solid to liquid. It became a gooey silvery liquid. It was like a rare monster called the Metal slime.And finally Johann said.Let's start! Superior technique: Construction !At the moment the skill was activated, the liquid Metallized stone changed its shape all at once. A large amount of the metal was divided into two, one took the shape of a giant castle, while the other had already taken the form of a castle gate.Fuoooooooooooo!To the unexpected changes, Felukia gave a big cheer.The Metallized stone was very durable, and with Johann's skills you could freely change its shape. Well, calling it stone anymore Before the materials would be used in Johann's construction process, the raw materials themselves were to be buffed, where afterwards they were put in a Liquid metal state. And at the end the shape was built with Superior technique: Construction which was the focus of the Architecture skill.Superior technique, Construction was the ability to manipulate materials freely and create buildings with it. If you had the power, you would even be able to build a huge building on just your own. And, in a very short time.FurthermoreUuuh Here should come the face of a cat?The advantage of the liquid metal was that you could shape it to will easily. You could even tinker with the details, although you had to be careful to not distort the shape already formed. Johann looked at the design of the castle gate drawn by Felukia, and he made it just like that. Thus, he continued to manipulate the Metallized stone, and the Demon King Cat castle was completed with ease.Now, the Metallized stone was especially easy to handle. For example, wood or bricks had distinctly different manufacturing methods, as you would need to think about the frameworks and direction of the materials. Because they could not be moved freely like a liquid, you would have to concentrate further in the construction than he did now. Especially in the case of building castles and the like, it would be a considerable task, even though you were manipulating the material with the skill.Johann considered the quality of work with the Metallized stone as good. Gradually the shape of the castle was put in order, the fiddling with the details coming to an end as well. Only the finishing touches were left.Firmness conversion: Hard Dyeing colorThe liquid metal solidified while having maintained the adjusted shape. It was silver, but transformed into a pastel pink before your eyes. It was not a natural color for a Demon King castle, but it was to Felukia's liking.Ohhhhh!When her desire took form, she hopped up and down.This was different from the previous castle; it wasn't ominous but cheerful instead. Many towers extended gorgeously into the sky, completely befitting of royalty. The trademark being the big cat face in the center. Before the castle gate stood three cat faces.Felukia's ideal castle, built by Johann's hands.