Chapter 25

When the cold season arrives, even the people who dress casually start to remember, "Oh, right, winter is really cold."

People's attire changes from casual to heavy clothing, and the sound of splitting logs can be heard all over the town.

However, since Regol is a city, it doesn't have the kind of stumps for splitting logs that you'd find in the countryside.

Instead, they stock up on the necessary amount of firewood for the winter from specialized suppliers. I wonder if the price of firewood has gone up a bit this year?

During this season, these specialized suppliers are busy mass-producing firewood.

They use large saws to cut logs into sections and then use wedges and large hammers to split them...

This kind of physical labor continues, and of course, the workforce and physical strength become insufficient.

What is needed is power. In other words, the strength of those who can use body enhancement magic.

This is where guild members come in.

"Ah, it's the season for splitting firewood!"

"You're the only one who gets so excited about splitting firewood, Mongrel."

"All boys love splitting firewood."

"Maybe if you were raised in the capital... But you, Mongrel, don't seem like that type."

"It's the countryside."

"I thought so."

Right now, I am at a sawmill near the East Gate. This is a large factory that handles various processes, from cutting logs into sections to turning them into planks. It's not an exaggeration to say that most of the wood in Regol is processed here.

During this season, the factory is busy mass-producing firewood for the winter.

My job is to support this operation from behind the scenes.

"But you're a strange one. This kind of job doesn't pay much in the guild. Usually, only kids come for this."

"Yeah, I guess I'm just living day to day."

"Indeed, you're a strange one. Well, if you're willing to do it, we'll pay you. Work hard, and I'll give you a few bundles of firewood when you're done. So, try your best."

"Thanks."

The middle-aged man I'm talking to is named Thomas.

He's a tough guy who works steadily while smoking a cigarette. He's been in this business for decades, but he's not the type to talk about it much.

"These are last year's logs. Ideally, we would have let them dry a bit more, but the authorities are in a hurry. So, we're cutting them this year."

"There seems to be a shortage of wood. Can't be helped."

"Use the tools over there. When you start splitting, use the wedge and hammer... Oh, you don't need that, Mongrel."

"Yeah, I saw it last year. I'll use this one."

I grabbed a large axe leaning against the wall of the old warehouse and slung it over my shoulder.

It's called a great axe. The blade is thick and heavy. It's a tool that requires a lot of strength to use, but I love these kinds of items that look a bit dumb.

"Every time, I'm amazed you can handle it... I'd hurt my back."

"Don't underestimate a guild member, Thomas."

"Active and in their prime, guild members don't do this kind of work. ...But it's fine. I'll place the logs on the stump, and Mongrel, focus on splitting them."

Thomas stuck a log pick into the cut end of a log and placed it on the stump.

I just need to split it into the right thickness.

Valoan wood grows quickly but is dense and hard, making it a good, long-burning firewood.

"Thomas, I won't make mistakes, but be careful on your end too."

"I know."

I infused magic into the axe and swung it down.

It split the log cleanly in two, and the pieces fell to either side of the stump.

"Stack them up and try splitting them vertically this time. You can do it in one go, right?"

"Leave it to me."

Another clean split. The sound of the axe splitting the wood is really satisfying.

In my previous life, I couldn't use body enhancement magic, so being able to handle wood so easily is really fun. It's much better than fighting goblins.

"Alright, keep placing them quickly."

"Fast, but don't overwork your back."

"Thinking of retiring, Thomas?"

"Shut up, I'll show you. Just wait a moment."

"Huh?"

Thomas patted his back and entered the warehouse, then came out quickly.

In his hand was a tool that looked like a crane from a UFO catcher attached to a magic arm. It looked like a toy.

I knew the name of this iron tool.

"What is that, Thomas? What is it?"

"Hehe. You wouldn't know just by looking. I didn't know either. This is how it works, see?"

Thomas pressed the crane's end against a log lying on the ground, and the clamps opened.

When he tried to lift it, the clamps bit into the log and lifted it smoothly.

"Wow."

All he had to do was press it down and lift it while standing.

But I was surprised. I had sent the design, but I didn't expect them to be able to make such a high-quality iron tool.

"It's called a lifting tong. Apparently, a popular noble named Chaos sent the design to our forestry union."

"It's an invention. Wow, being able to lift one log at a time is convenient."

"Yeah. The best part is that you don't have to bend over. With this log pick, you can carry things you normally couldn't. Making them is quite expensive, but after trying one, they ended up making them for everyone."

"Is it that comfortable to use?"

"It extends your career."

Thomas skillfully used the tong and pick to place a log on the stump.

"I'm not joking. With this, you won't lose your job due to back problems."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Thanks to this, two old friends have returned to work here. ...I'd like to send a thank-you letter to this Chaos, but I can't find the address."

"Wow... Returning to work. That's amazing... Thomas, if you want, I can listen to your thoughts as Chaos."

"Shut up."

I sent the design to make the work easier, but I didn't expect it to be so effective.

Indeed, with this, you can carry heavy wood without bending over... I see. Many people must retire due to back pain. It's a tough job.

"Mongrel, I'm the best at using this tong here. If you dawdle, I'll keep bringing logs and they'll pile up."

"Hey, Thomas. I'll show you my true axe skills."

"Your stance is all wrong. You should spread your legs sideways, not front to back."

"...Like this. Alright, I'll show you my true axe skills."

"You're persistent."

The logs split with a satisfying sound.

Thomas quickly placed more logs, and I split them with a clean swing.

As we got into the rhythm, our conversation dwindled, and only the sound of splitting wood filled the air.

The smell of glue, carried by the wind, drifted from a distance.

Come to think of it, the tanning of the fur I left should be almost done.

After finishing this job, I'll check if the fur is ready.

If I light a fire in the fireplace and lie down on the char deer rug, I might even enjoy the cold of this winter.