第４４掘：ドッペルゲンガー (Part2)
"I see, so Doppelgangers are monsters that excel at mimicking others. But wait, Brother's Doppelganger doesn't look like him at all?"
"Hmm, I see that's how you perceive it. Let me explain the characteristics of Doppelgangers that I've researched. To put it simply, as long as the level is high enough, they can perform a perfect imitation and transformation. That means they can replicate memories perfectly, too. However, I choose not to do that. If they replicate a person's memories, they usually end up betraying you. Or rather, because they replicate everything so perfectly, they forget they are monsters themselves. That’s why I think it’s better not to have them copy memories. Tell me, what do you think would happen if a fake were created that had a higher level than Mauve, and it actually worked properly?"
"No, wouldn't that be convenient?"
Uncle Mauve says it would be convenient. I think so too. Since it’s stronger than me, it would be a big help if it assisted me, and I’m sure it would be fun, right?
"Mauve, what would you do if there were a fake that was lower level than you and useless?"
"Well, if it got in the way, I’d finish it off... I see, that’s what you mean."
"Exactly. The fake would try to replace the real one. Well, even if it's a 'fake,' it’s a version of you that performs better than the original. There’s no reason for it to stay under your command forever, nor is there much reason for you to work together. Have you ever heard of anyone living happily with a Doppelganger?"
"No, never."
"I thought so. In the case of your double, it would be taking Raiya and Curse away from the real you. Even if it’s a fake, it’s a perfect imitation. You’d need incredible mental fortitude to endure that. It’s unbearable to have someone you think is your ally point a finger at you and call you the fake."
"Yeah."
"Well, that’s why I don't do perfect imitations. It’s more convenient to exclude the memory replication and give them a single, simple command. Like what Mauve said: 'Replace the original and eliminate the intruders.' You could keep them under your command even after a perfect imitation, but with the original memories intact, things would get unstable."
I don't really get it, but if there were a fake me that was stronger than me, would she push me aside and say, "You aren't worthy of Brother!"? Hmm, I think I could get along with her, though.
"And there’s another function: Doppelganger possession... you might not understand that. It allows for direct control. However, while I’m controlling it, my real body can’t move like that. That’s how the fake Elju acted, too."
"I see, I understand. But what about that appearance? It’s far removed from Yuki-san's, isn't it?"
"That’s simple if you think about it. A Doppelganger can imitate anything. In other words, I can transform any part of my body as I like. It’s easier to move without feeling awkward if the body is identical, though. This body is smaller than mine, so I had a hard time leveling it up."
Wow, Brother can move a body that different from his? That’s amazing! Wait, but if this different Brother is here, then...
"C-could it be... is that Yuki-san your trump card?"
Rurua-sama’s eyes are wide with surprise.
"No, no, this body is just one of my cards. A trump card is just one card in the hand. The effect changes depending on when you play it. If this body gets killed, it’s no problem. And it won't be revealed that the dungeon is involved. Mauve and the others are mainly for gathering information. I’ll be the primary guard when Rurua moves through Litea."
"Wait!? But if it’s discovered that I’m with a monster in a holy place, my position will be in jeopardy!!"
"Well, I understand that, so I’ll be in the shadows. Just to test it, do you have any holy magic that can expose monsters?"
"I do, but..."
"Try it. If I’m exposed by it, I’ll stay in the shadows. If not, I’ll be your direct guard."
"Don't blame me! Oh holy light, reveal the form of the demon! Light Shower!!"
As Rurua-sama chants the spell, beautiful light fills the entire room.
"Hmm, no problems here."
"Wha!?"
"Well, there are many reasons for that, but the first thing to consider is the level difference, right?"
"Level? Just what is your level!? I’m an Archbishop at level 44! I’m the third-highest in all of Litea!?"
"Ah... yeah. Sorry about that."
Brother says that and shows me the Doppelganger's status.
Name: Yuki
Race: Doppelganger
Status: Monster (Possessing)
Gender: Male
Occupation: One who satisfies interests
Age: 0
Lv. 238
HP: 6020
MP: 23200
STR: 2740
DEF: 1400
INT: 6920
AGI: 3032
LUK: 120
Skills: Various, as needed.
"B-B-Brother, that’s amazing!! You’re like a legendary hero!!"
"Whoa, that’s off the charts. As expected of a Dungeon Master. I wonder how the humans of the past ever managed to beat any Dungeon Master other than Yuki."
"H-how, how did you reach such... legendary levels..."
"Well, I had some free time before meeting up with everyone, so I tried clearing my own dungeon with the Doppelganger. Of course, it was a 'serious battle' without traps. I didn't use the members I’d raised, naturally. I wanted to see how levels increased, so I fought goblins normally, or killed defenseless dragons with high-powered weapons, and this is what happened. Man, levels go up much easier than I thought. It feels like absorbing something from the monsters I defeat. So, even if Labyris and the others don't gain the experience, they could raise their levels to the extreme if they wanted to."
Huh, then could I also reach level 100 and become strong right away?
"......What has my life even been..."
Rurua-sama seems depressed. I wonder why?
Hello everyone, this time it’s from Aslin’s perspective.
Rurua has finally made up her mind!!
And now, the Dungeon Master is finally unleashed upon the world.
Please let me know if there are any typos!