I'm Actually Not Overpowered!

I was almost afraid we would have to work extra once we landed, but thankfully, I handled things before things escalated.

'Asa and Lucy have way too much energy...' I cracked my back as I entered my well-made tent.

After spending the entire day on a dragon's back, how could they still have enough energy to think of patrol? Granted, I ensured the ride was comfortable. Still, they were too lively!

'It kind of makes me feel bad.' I jumped on my bed and enjoyed its fluffy embrace.

Honestly, my body ached so much. Not only was the ride longer than I wanted it to be, but I was in an awkward position throughout. Besides, Asa and Lucy also decided to rest on me.

There was a limit to a man's body, you know?

'It would have been no problem for me if I was still high-leveled, but... ah, this sucks.' I could only murmur while hugging my dear pillow and sniffing the flowery scent of my bed.

Having a warm shelter around me to call my space, as well as a nice bed for rest, were the only things that gave me comfort.

"Haa... really."

INVENTORY had to be one of the most amazing features of the System. I didn't have to sleep on the ground like a savage, thanks to the tent and bed I already kept within my special storage space.

It was a shame I couldn't store living things and intangible stuff there, but this was good enough.

"Having a Subspace ability like that Jeremy guy from this other novel I read would be nice... what was the name again? Rise Of The Hoarder?"

I still had to make do with what I had, though, and I was really doing a good job—at least in my opinion.

There were three tents erected at the place we camped. One was mine, the second belonged to the demons, and the last belonged to the two girls. I ensured everyone with me had their warm mattresses to sleep on, so they had to be comfortable.

"Now, then, let's go over the plan and then rest for tomorrow."

***************

[THE ELF SANCTUARY]

"Chief, I bring news." A noble-looking Elf knelt before a large desk.

Behind the desk was the Elf he referred to as 'Chief', but this Elf knew better than to lift his gaze to look at him. Not only was the Chief his superior, but he was not meant to be looked at—at least, that was the rule.

Instead, the nicely dressed Elf stared at the squeaky clean ground. It was luxuriously tiled with wood, and the quality was of exquisite taste. The noble Elf knew this could only have been achieved through the sweat of all the Elf laborers, but he dared not voice those thoughts.

"What is the matter, Dustinel?" A voice finally emerged from behind the large and also luxurious mahogany desk.

The voice sounded bloated, for some reason—almost as if the person who spoke was too stuffed to speak properly. Sounds of munching and lip-smacking could be heard, but the Elf known as Dustinel kept his gaze down.

His legs were already beginning to ache, and his back sought relief, but he endured. For an Elf in his youth, his body was so out of shape. Dustinel sighed internally, as he knew the reason behind this.

"Sectors A-05, A-06, A-07, and A-09 were unable to meet the allotted quota for yesterday. The records of the previous days also show that they barely met the standard and had to work overtime to keep up."

A disgruntled sound could be heard from behind the table as Dustinel spoke, and the Elf knew what would happen once he was done with the report.

>BAM!<

As he expected, the Chief banged his hand on the large desk in fury. Thanks to the sturdy nature of the desk, it was able to withstand the blow. That showed the improvement of this piece of furniture compared to the last one.

"Damnit! What did you say?!" The bloated voice peaked, almost like the squeal of an angry pig.

"I-I... after investigating the matter, we realized that a majority of the staff are ill. A similar incident was reported in Sector A-2 just yesterday. I think—"

"Sick? Is that a joke? When have Elves ever gotten sick? They're lying. Those lazy bastards are lying to you!"

"I understand your apprehensions, Chief. You are right to be skeptical. But after observing the workers, we have noticed that their physical conditions are indeed not optimal. They have burning fevers, pale skin, constant coughs, and reddish eyes. They are not well."

Dustinel decided not to mention their emaciated frames, balding hairs, and the many incidents of lightheadedness since that had more to do with the poor conditions of the workers and not necessarily a sickness.

'If I say that, he might turn this into something else...' Of course, Dustinel decided to swallow those thoughts too.

"WHAT? And what are the physicians doing about it? Can't they resolve this quickly so as to ensure maximum productivity?" The roar of the Chief caused Dustinel to tremble, but he did his best to maintain his composure.

"It's a new illness, so it's taking some to study it and—"

"EXCUSES! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANY OF IT!"

Dustinel couldn't even let his sigh leak out, considering the consequences. He hung his head in powerlessness and listened to the tyrant's rants.

"You better fix this, and fast! Or else... well, you know the consequences." The Chief's voice huffed now, as though he was tired or something.

Oh, Dustinel was well aware of the consequences of not meeting his superior's expectations.

He knew what awaited him if he didn't resolve the problem of production and supply. He knew about the horrible fate he would be subjected to.

There was a reason he got to wear fine clothes and not rags, as the other Elves did. It was because he swore fealty to the current Elf Chief, and he helped someone as incompetent as the fatty manage the affairs of the Elf Sanctuary.

The moment his usefulness expired, he would be doomed to a life of forced servitude.

'Anything but that!' Dustinel's thoughts echoed.

As much as he loved his people, and it hurt his heart anytime he saw them suffer, the sickly Elf couldn't afford to halt his services to the Elf Chief. Thus, even though he had to sear his conscience, Dustinel resolved to carry out his duties.

Whatever it took!

"U-understood, Chief. I will do my best!"

*

*

*

[A/N]

I hope this story is catching your interest, albeit slowly. Hopefully, you stick around till the end. It's gonna be great.