I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V11C11

      Translated by Hamster

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### Volume 11: The Eastern Frontier

 **11 Aftermath of the Behemoth Incident**

Cyclo's party, now with Pepemos in tow, set out to join up with the Demon Army.

Along the way, Cyclo explained the details about Pepemos to everyone.

"...Is this really okay?"

Baal asked with suspicion, to which Cyclo agreed.

"Honestly, I think it's plotting mischief. But killing it now would feel kind of... wrong."

He said, looking at Pepemos. At that moment, Mist was cuddling Pepemos, stroking its head and body, showing her affection. 

Pepemos seemed content, its expression clear.

Just by looking at Pepemos's cute appearance, one would hesitate to put it down.

"Well, if it does anything bad within my sight, I'll kill it instantly. Even if it secretly tries to increase its magical power to become stronger, I'll kill it. So, I think it won't become a major issue."

"Hmm... This weak creature can't do much harm as it is now."

Baal understood Cyclo's grim determination.

"Then there's one more thing I want to ask. About the handling of the Behemoth's remains..."

"I'll take care of all of it. If I give it to just one side, it would upset the balance of power and lead to casualties."

As he spoke, Cyclo pulled out a single scale from the Behemoth's body, which he had already stored with his 'Clock Storage'.

Holding the scale, which was large enough to serve as a shield, Cyclo explained:

"Even one of these scales is equivalent to orichalcum in material. If such things were to flood into an army, it would certainly increase the number of deaths."

Even if distributed evenly between the Kingdom's army and the Demon Army, there's no guarantee all would be used by the army, nor would it be evenly distributed as equipment. The choice of how it's used could lead to an imbalance in military strength, inevitably leading to unnecessary casualties.

"But, as a personal gift, I'm willing to give you some. You helped stop it, after all."

"I see."

Though his reply was brief, Baal seemed pleased. Whether for a scale mail or as material for a new spear, it would undoubtedly surpass Baal's current equipment in performance.

Since Baal was a skilled demon with abilities that could turn the tide of battle alone, there was no issue with giving some to him.

Moreover, Baal, as a commander, usually issues orders from the rear, only stepping onto the battlefield to reset unfavorable situations. The stronger he is, the less damage the army would sustain.

"In return, go easy on the Kingdom's army, okay?"

Thus, Cyclo emphasized this point.

"Of course. Our goal isn't invasion or massacre. Excessive victories would only escalate the Kingdom's retaliation, ultimately increasing our casualties."

Naturally, as a commander, Baal understood this well and nodded to Cyclo.

"Thank you, Baal."

"No thanks needed. —We're grateful you defeated that monster. Thank you."

"Then let's call it even. Don't worry about it."

Saying this, Cyclo extended his right hand to Baal.

"We'll be working together for a while, so let's get along."

"Hmph. I never thought I'd form a friendship with someone from the Kingdom."

Baal said with a smile, gripping Cyclo's hand in return.

This handshake was not just a formality of first meetings but a testament to a solid trust formed. Cyclo hoped that such relationships, friendships between humans and demons, would spread, even if just a little.

Author's Notes:

With this, Chapter 11, The Eastern Frontier, comes to an end.

Personally, I'm very satisfied with this chapter where I finally got to introduce the giant robot I've always wanted to feature.

Thank you for reading up to this point. If you could give a like or some evaluation points, it would be a great motivation for future writings.

The continuation is still in the plotting phase, so it will take some time to write. I apologize for the wait, but I look forward to your continued support of 'The Clock User'.

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