Chapter 29

"Let's start the purification of the magic stone. But don't expect it to be a grand spectacle. By the way, do you remember why we need to purify magic stones in the first place?"

We had returned to the dormitory after finishing our meal in town and gathered in my room.

I wanted to perform the purification magic today, so I didn't drink any alcohol.

"Yes, I remember. When you absorb a high-level magic stone, you die because you can't withstand the miasma that comes with it."

Kuuna raised her hand and spoke, her fox ears twitching cutely.

"That's right. Miasma is toxic to humans. Moreover, the interference between the miasma and the power that grows the magic stone means you can only use half of its power, and even if you do absorb it, you'll take damage. That's why explorers don't use magic stones in the dungeon and limit themselves to one per day."

Even if a magic stone is within your tolerance, using multiple ones will cause miasma to accumulate, and your body won't be able to recover in time. This significantly reduces your performance.

Therefore, the basic rule when using magic stones is to first have a specialist check if your body can handle it, and then use only one per day in a safe place.

It's incredibly inefficient.

"That's why we have purification. If we can completely remove the miasma, we can absorb the magic stone twice as efficiently and use as many as we want without getting hurt. Plus, if we want, we can use the magic stones we obtain in the dungeon right away to become stronger."

Kuuna's quick understanding is a great help. She's flexible in her thinking and very smart.

"That's right. When we found this, we were overjoyed. We even called it a revolution."

"Indeed, a revolution. We can become stronger dozens of times faster than before."

"Sōji can predict the appearance of enemies and hunt with efficiency dozens of times greater than others. Just having Sōji in the party makes it incredibly strong. Now, one Sōji per party is a must."

If every party had a magician who could use the same method as me, hunting efficiency would skyrocket, and high-rank parties would form one after another.

"I have a bit of a problem with that statement. Let's get to the point. [Purification]"

I focused my mind.

[Purification] has many steps, so the calculation time is long.

Roughly sixty-five seconds. Even though I deliberately slow down the calculation speed to reduce the burden on my brain, it's still abnormal. In terms of the number of steps, it surpasses [Spatial Destruction].

I applied a specific magic wavelength to alter the composition, returning the solid to a fluid state. In that state, I used a high-speed magic cycle to separate the magic power from the miasma. I gradually returned it to a solid state by changing the pattern of my magic power. Finally, I filtered it to complete the process.

The originally green magic stone, covered in black mist, turned into a beautiful emerald green, and a black, bean-like lump of miasma formed.

"Done."

I checked the magic power consumption.

With the previous monster's magic stone, the consumption was high because it was powerful, but with this level of magic stone, I could process about twenty a day.

The higher the rank of the magic stone, the exponentially higher the magic power consumption, but for lower-rank stones, the consumption is minimal.

"Still, it's an amazing magic. It's fast, and with so many steps, I can't understand it, but I know it's amazing."

"Right. Even if you memorize the spell, you can't replicate it. Probably only Sōji can do this."

As they said, this is impossible without the specifications of a homunculus and a high level of knowledge and understanding of magic.

"By the way, what is this black thing?"

"This is a lump of miasma."

I picked up the black grain that had formed next to the magic stone.

Then, I attached it to the black grain that had formed when I purified the magic stone from the monster and activated the magic to combine them. The black grain grew a bit larger.

"Why do you have such a thing!"

"Even if it's toxic to humans, it can be used as a poison. Moreover, it has the power to create monsters. I can use it. It's an important trump card."

For example, injecting a lump of miasma into a human body is a highly effective tactic. If I had used it in the battle with the Rank 2 senior, I could have won just by doing that.

However, there were too many witnesses at the time. I didn't intend to reveal this strategy.

The use of miasma, a tempting power, is thoroughly researched even among players. In the game era, I was a top runner in this field and created a magic that could be called a pinnacle. A genuine trump card.

"Let's put the miasma aside. Let's try using the magic stone now, starting with Kuuna."

"Then, I'll go first, Kuuna."

Kuuna tentatively placed the magic stone on her forehead and exclaimed, "Here goes!"

Particles of green phosphorescence rose from the magic stone and were absorbed into Kuuna's body, and the shrinking magic stone disappeared.

"Amazing. I heard that eating a magic stone feels disgusting, but it's not at all. It feels warm and fulfilling, and it's very comfortable."

Kuuna hugged herself in wonder.

I understand the sensation she's describing. The feeling of your rank increasing is pleasurable.

Ordinary explorers can't enjoy this pleasure because of the discomfort from the miasma.

"I want more. I want more. Sōji, give me more, more!"

Kuuna looked at me with flushed, moist eyes. Her breathing was slightly heavy.

The allure made me want to give her something else.

Kuuna apparently has a particularly sensitive constitution to magic stones.

"Alright. But next is Anne's turn. I'll use all the magic stones I have, alternating between you two, so you'll have to wait a bit."

"That's mean. I want it now, Kuuna."

"Why do you look so lewd, Kuuna? Is it really safe to use this?"

"There's no poison. You'll get used to it soon. Besides, I think Kuuna is just lewd."

"True. It's Kuuna, after all."

"That's rude! Wait, what am I doing?"

"Don't worry. You were just being lewd and begging."

"Yes, you showed us quite a performance."

Teasing Kuuna, who had snapped back to her senses, I continued to purify the magic stones one after another.

◇

"Can't... can't do it anymore. I can't stand up."

"Me too, though not as bad as Kuuna."

Kuuna and Anne, who had used six purified magic stones, were lying on my bed, completely drained.

They were overwhelmed by the unfamiliar pleasure.

I remember the feeling. The unique pleasure of becoming stronger is really intense when you're not used to it. It gets better with repetition, but I might have pushed them too hard on the first day.

"Sōji, can I stay here tonight? I don't think I can make it back."

"Me too, I just want to sleep like this."

Both of them said this and crawled into my futon.

There was a large space in the middle. It must be a habit from when we used to sleep together.

"That's nice, but are you sure it's okay?"

"It's fine. I'm more scared of being alone with you in my room. I feel safer with Anne here."

"Really, no trust at all!"

"Men are wolves, Yuki-nee said. She has knowledge even though she's a late bloomer."

"Kuuna, you should apologize to Yuki."

Kuuna didn't respond.

She seemed to have fallen asleep.

I smiled wryly and entered the space between them.

Kuuna then attached herself to my arm with a lazy, silly smile.

As always, she tested the limits of my rationality with her good smell and softness. She claims to be cautious, but her guard is always loose.

That's why she might be deceived by a bad guy.

"Hey, Master. I've been wondering, why are you so kind to Kuuna? It looks like... a lover? No, that's not it. It's more like you treat her like a younger sister. Is there a reason for that?"

"I've said this before, haven't I? She reminds me of someone I know."

"Is that person a lover?"

"No, not like that. If I have to say, maybe a comrade."

"Comrade. Sometimes I wonder if you don't really need Kuuna or me, and you can do everything on your own."

Anne's back was turned, so I couldn't see her expression.

"That's not true. There are limits to what one person can do. At the least, I know of a monster that I can't defeat no matter how hard I try alone."

The great mage Cyril, who showed overwhelming power when I thought it was a game. The creator of the dungeon and the only Rank 6 in the world.

"I worry that I'll never catch up."

"Don't worry. I believe in my intuition and my ability to judge people. I approached Kuuna and Anne because it would be beneficial for me. If my judgment was wrong, it's my mistake, not yours."

"That's a confusing answer... Hey!"

Anne attached herself to my other arm, opposite the one Kuuna was holding.

"You're still blushing. You can't be as natural as that girl."

"What's with the sudden change?"

"Recently, I've been thinking I don't want to lose to Kuuna in any way."

"I see. Good luck."

"Is it okay to cheer for me?"

"I'm cheering for both of you."

"Alright, I'm going to sleep. Good night."

"Good night."

Feeling the warmth of the two girls, I fell asleep.