CASE 202: TIME TO LEVEL UP.

''Name.''

''...Ruby.''

''Occupation.''

''Occupation? You mean what rank I used to hold? Like... pretty high up?''

Is she being an idiot naturally or on purpose... either way, it's fortunate that she is being obedient for once. Although it took me a while just waiting for her to come back, and her attitude could use some refinements, it's not too bad.

''Good. You're going to be the temporary dragon lord from now on.''

''Um... aren't I the only dragon left...?''

''For now.''

''For now?''

Red hair, topaz-like slit eyes. A slim, naked figure with smooth skin and fluffy hair.

The individual kneeling before me now is perhaps the only dragon specimen left in this world besides Yggdrasil. Of course, that's not counting the cubs and the unhatched eggs lying somewhere else. But considering that the humans are so furious they hunted down the very last of those who invaded the capital, I'm not sure the newborns can survive.

Back to Ruby.

With most of her arrogance gone while the rest of it stays dormant, it doesn't take long until she agrees to come under my wing. It reminds me of Nova, somehow.

But the sensation of making a new connection is still the same. This time, no system panel, no tapping in the air, just a straight contract that binds our hearts together. I feel as though her psyche is in my grasp, free for my fingers to knead and squeeze—that's domination. Perhaps the opponent also senses that, seeing her expression souring by the second.

''What do you want me to do?'' Ruby chirped, her brows narrowing.

If I wanted to assert dominance, I could reprimand her right away and correct the way she speaks, but it's really not necessary.

''How much do you know about monsters?'' I ask. ''In terms of their distributions, levels, frequencies... on a world scale.''

''You're asking something outrageous.''

She doesn't seem to be lying.

''Then tell me where I can find strong monsters to hunt.'' I change my question.

''...Fine.''

Reluctantly, Ruby begins to recount her memories. Dragons are a brilliant species, and the longer they live, the wiser and stronger they will be. In terms of ranks, maybe this one is really a senior amongst the dragons.

And thanks to that senior experience, Ruby's accumulated knowledge is rather plentiful despite her manners. She also knows lots of 'farming' locations that her species often use. I guess it's not too surprising that the intelligent lizards are also taking advantage of the system's aid, like us.

''Very well.''

Satisfied with her answer, I order her to take most of my horror squad to monster dens around Zircon. Smiley, Ariel, Skely, 049, Ash, and Blob.

Fortunately, they are all around the same level range of 40 to 50. Monsters at those levels are neither common nor rare, but they can gain experience just fine. It's right about time everyone is in a high fighting spirit anyway.

''Don't do anything stupid to them, got it?''

''Ugh... fine.''

After delegating that task, I call up the remaining personnel—Orcinus Nova, Minamoto no Kyomu, and Sikare, Witch of Calamity.

''I have arrived.'' Kyomu calmly responds, fiddling with his sword's handle.

''Is there a big operation today, boss?'' Sikare curiously asks, lying on an annoyed Nova's back. ''Everybody is going out.''

Pondering at the strange combination, I reply, ''Something like that.'' 

These three—the former rulers of Zircon—are all at least two notches stronger than the other members. Even with Ruby's list of disposable monsters for sale, there aren't that many that these three can benefit from.

So, we're doing something different.

''Hunting aliens...?!''

''Yes.''

That doesn't sound as correct as I hoped it would, but yes. 

Sooner or later, we will have to take on the things that are roaming outside this dome. The eldritch creatures whose hardened bodies ooze malice... they are incredibly tough. They will surely be challenging opponents for us now, and a good source of experience. Aurora would probably tell me to hunt them down at some point, even if I'm not doing it.

The only issue is that the system's range does not cover the battleground.

Not mentioning the inability to gain experience, I'm not sure if these three can use their power properly outside. The more I think about it, the more serious the problem becomes. How will we ever face the heavenly demon if everybody depends on a single system to wield their power?

At times like these, I can't help but feel like that woman is going to pop up again...

''...''

''Boss?''

''...''

''Are we going?''

Aurora doesn't show up.

Anyway, now that I think about it, she did tell me to contact Anna for system-related matters. She should be somewhere close to the system's core—right within my territory—so I immediately teleport there.

And, accordingly, I spot the robot woman right where she was the last time I saw her.

[Good day to you.]

What's this... thing?

Nova seems to squint her eyes, probing the strange figure. Usually, the sparkling orca is apathetic to most, but she's strangely intrigued today. Does it have something to do with Olwen? After all, Nova inherited her power from Olwen, and Neveah inherited the love for mankind from the same fairy.

Anna, as I observe, is no less than a personification of the system, with which Neveah heavily involves herself.

Nonetheless, under Nova's scrutiny, I throw at Anna the questions I have.

[Miss Aurora, you are the only hope of this planet.]

Anna starts by complimenting me for some reason.

[The system constructed by creator Neveah maintains absolute order and strives for fairness. However, the creator has specified one exception—that is, you, Miss Aurora.]

''...Are you saying that you'll help me?''

[Yes. As long as I can track your position, the system can 'descend' appropriately and provide its original functions.]

That's rather impressive. Does it use satellite tracking or something?

''What about my absorption? Can the system help with that?''

This time, Anna takes a few seconds longer to respond, as if really thinking about the question.

[...No. Miss Aurora of the future has ordered me not to assist you with any form of absorption.]

''...Why?''

['Learn to do it by yourself. Don't bring shame to the name of Nihility.' was her message for you. Additionally, she also said, 'Can you imagine how embarrassing it is for a practitioner of Nihility that doesn't know how to devour energy?']

''Okay, okay, I get it...''

Finally, Anna gives us each a tracker, which is no bigger than a coin. I don't need it, but she attaches the same thing to the other three's system panels. It's quite surreal how she can peer into their virtual screens, which are always supposed to be invisible to others, and interact with them.

[Good luck.]

And there she goes.

But with that, we're ready for the expedition.

...Not really. I need to learn the way to absorb things first. It'll indeed be embarrassing if I need to replenish energy mid-fight and don't know how to.

''Boss... what in the world is that woman's identity...?''

Right in time, the haggard-looking Sikare peeks closer to me with caution.

''Sikare.''

''Mhm?''

''Give me your children.''

''Mhm?!?''