Chapter 28

"Well, we're finally back on the surface. So, we'll解散 here today. Go back to the dorm or play in town, do as you like. See you at the academy!"

At Nakita Instructor's signal, today's practical session ended. The students dispersed at the exit of the building with the underground labyrinth. Most of them seemed quite exhausted and headed straight for the dormitory.

"Hmm, the outside is really nice."

"Yeah, the underground labyrinth is bright, but that light is unnatural and tiring."

Both of us were tired from our first exploration of the underground labyrinth, but we still had some energy left. It must be because our training methods are different. I felt a bit relieved. I had been thinking about diving to a certain level on a multi-day trip from next time. At this rate, it should be fine.

"Kuna, Anne, what are you going to do now? Sell the magic stones at the exchange counter? If you want to, there's one in this facility, which is convenient. Or are you going to use them to rank up? We each got four, so you can decide what to do with your share."

Kuna and Anne were puzzled by the question.

I understand how they feel. After all, they want to get stronger, but it's also time to pay the interest on the first loan I gave them. If they don't exchange the stones for money now, their debt will increase.

This is a dilemma that even veteran adventurers face. Money or strength. If they were rich nobles, they would choose strength without hesitation, but to live, they have to sell.

"By the way, how much would we get for these magic stones?"

"Well? The exchange rate changes frequently, so let's go check the rate board first. Even if you don't sell, it's good to know how much they're worth."

"That's a good idea. You can't make a decision without knowing their value."

"I want to see too!"

"If so, let's go. I think it will be a good learning experience in many ways."

The three of us headed to the exchange counter in the facility.

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"Wow, there's a rate board like this."

"They don't just buy magic stones, huh?"

"Yeah, some parts of monsters can be good materials. For example, the mithril I use is generated in the bodies of certain monsters."

When we reached the exchange counter, a huge board with various prices was posted.

It listed the prices of magic stones by rank and the prices of certain monster parts.

"Be careful, though. They'll buy as many magic stones as you have, but they only buy monster parts if there's a demand. You might go hunting in the morning after checking the board, but by the time you return, the required number might already be met, and you can't sell them."

"It's a tough world, isn't it?"

"But, when you think about it, it makes sense. They're not used that often."

"Some items are in constant demand, though."

For example, the thread of the Magdala Spider.

After a specific treatment, it loses its stickiness and becomes an ideal thread with the strongest elasticity and a toughness that can withstand blades. Clothes made from this thread fit the body lightly and are more effective than inferior armor.

For example, magic steel.

A mineral formed in the bodies of monsters that feed on stones, it is lighter and more processable than iron, with superior toughness and hardness.

Such items are in high demand, and orders are processed from the highest price.

Materials from the snails on the first underground floor have few practical uses and are rarely bought. It's important to remember what is valuable and what isn't.

Especially items that don't take up much space. If you do this, you can earn money without selling magic stones.

"So, what about the price of the magic stones? Let's see, the snails are the lowest rank 1, so... two thousand bal! Four of them would be eight thousand bal. We can pay back most of the money we borrowed from Soji."

"That's higher than I thought. Eight thousand bal in just four hours."

The two of them seemed surprised, but that was a misunderstanding.

"That's because of my magic. Ordinary explorers in a four-person party can only get two or three in a whole day. Even if they get three, that's six thousand bal. Divided among four people, it's one thousand five hundred bal. Considering the risk of fighting monsters, it's not that profitable."

Reality is harsh.

The income of low-level adventurers is only slightly better than day laborers.

That's why they fight over prey.

"Soji, just to confirm. If we use the four magic stones, can we go down to the third underground floor? If we can, the competition for prey will be less intense, and hunting efficiency will improve."

"Right. Normally, absorbing magic stones won't get you that far, but with the magic stones I purified, four... or six might be tough. If I share my share with you two, we can reach the lower mid-rank of rank 1. That way, we can go to the third floor with peace of mind, and the competition will be less, so hunting efficiency will improve a lot."

"Kuna, there's no need to hesitate then."

"Yes, we can't afford to waste time. We need to get stronger as quickly as possible and earn more money!"

It's a sound judgment. I also thought it was better to invest in ourselves now to earn more later, even if it means a small loss.

"Got it. I'll help. My share of the magic stones is two, which is four thousand bal. The purification cost is one thousand bal per stone, so six stones at a friend's price is six thousand bal. In total, it's ten thousand bal. I'll add that to your debt. With the previous debt, it's... to make it easier, I'll round down. It's two hundred and fifty thousand bal. At the next interest addition, it will be two hundred and seventy-five thousand bal."

"Ah, you're a demon! A devil, a miser!"

"What are you talking about, Kuna? For just one thousand bal, you get zero physical burden and double absorption efficiency. Normally, you can only use one magic stone a day because of the miasma damage, but with this, you can use them all at once. I think people would line up to pay ten thousand bal. You should worship me like a god."

I can confidently say that there's no more reasonable man than me.

"Soji, it would be even better if you didn't say that. I'll ask you. If I can be with you, I wouldn't mind having three times the debt."

"Ugh, the debt keeps piling up. Soon, I'll have to pay with my tail, my tail will be squeezed..."

Anne and Kuna reacted to the debt.

"I've been wondering, Kuna. I thought that for fire foxes, it's okay to touch or pet the tail if you're friends, but only the partner can hold it. Is that not the case?"

"That's right. But being touched by a member of the opposite sex is as unpleasant as getting a kiss on the cheek."

"Kuna, you have a strong sense of chastity."

"Hehe, to be honest, no man other than Father and my brother has ever touched my tail."

"So, I'll be the third."

"No way. I don't like men who are too promiscuous. Soji, if you touch Anne, I'll say no. I want to give my tail to a prince who will only look at me someday. Kyah, embarrassing."

Kuna covered her red cheeks with both hands and wagged her fluffy golden tail. I decided that I would definitely pet that tail someday.

"Soji, can I watch you purify the magic stones?"

"Me too. I'm really curious."

"Sure, no problem. But let's do it after dinner when we get back to the room. How about we go out for dinner? It's on me. I want to treat you to a bit of a feast with the money I collected from you two."

"Sounds good. Let's go! I'll eat a lot!"

"...Try to hold back a bit. The money hasn't even come in yet, just added to the debt."

My initial preparation of three hundred thousand bal is running out.

I need to start earning seriously soon.

"Looking forward to it. Paradise bird, Light-Strict cow, Yahaneshirowuri, delicious food awaits."

"You're going all out with high-end ingredients!"

While saying that, Kuna, who is considerate, won't overdo it. She will aim for the limit, gauging my tolerance line.

"Let's go, then."

I and Anne followed Kuna, who was acting childishly, with a wry smile.