Chapter 41

"Wouldn't this tough outer skin, which we struggled to penetrate, make a good piece of armor?"

"…Indeed, it's hard and resistant to fire, and it was tough to deal with. I think it would make good armor, but processing a monster's materials isn't possible with ordinary tools."

Kuna's words were valid. Monster materials are excellent, but that's precisely the problem. They can't be processed properly with ordinary tools. For example, if you tried to cut this transformed boar's skin with iron scissors, the blades would likely break first.

"Don't worry. If we don't have the right tools, we can make them. With mithril, I can create anything. [Mithril Alchemy: Form II - Sword • Slash]"

I use Mithril Alchemy to transform the mithril into a one-handed sword. Then, I create a design for the armor in my mind, calculate the size and number of pieces of skin needed for sewing later, and quickly cut the transformed boar's skin based on the calculations. By channeling my magic power into the mithril, I can increase its sharpness and strength, allowing it to easily cut through even the toughest outer skin that would normally resist iron blades. Sensing a gaze, I look over to see Anne watching my movements intently, likely fascinated by the sword's movements. She's quite studious.

"[Mithril Alchemy: Form VIII - Needle • Pierce]"

I use Mithril Alchemy again to transform the mithril into a needle with thread. This form is typically used for throwing needles with hooks or setting traps with thread for tricky tactics, but by making the needle thin, it can also be used for sewing. I pierce the skin with the mithril needle and sew it with mithril thread, allowing me to create the armor.

"I've cut the skin. Now, I'll sew it together. I think it will make good armor. This transformed boar's skin, which withstood Kuna's fire magic, is highly heat-resistant and has excellent cut resistance and elasticity. I had planned to sell it, so I washed and dried it cleanly, but this is a good opportunity to use it. It should take about thirty minutes, so call me when you're done cleaning up and preparing breakfast."

It's been a while since I've sewn. My hands are eager. Among the magic I know, there are techniques that can sew as precisely and quickly as a sewing machine, but I've done it so many times that my body remembers the process. I don't need to use magic.

I have confidence in making equipment. After all, there are very few people who can make equipment from high-rank materials, and those who can are usually employed by high-rank explorers. I had to make my own out of necessity.

"Souji, you really can do anything. Martial arts, combat magic, utility magic, cooking, and even blacksmithing. How can you be so versatile at such a young age?"

"Yeah, you're so skilled it's almost ridiculous."

"I'd be troubled if you were surprised by just this. I still have hidden skills."

I haven't been an explorer in this world for over a hundred years for nothing. For some reason, the two girls are taken aback. I think it's odd that they're surprised by sewing. I wish both of them, as girls, would at least turn the creatures they hunt in the dungeon into armor on the spot.

Ignoring their reactions, I diligently sew the cut pieces of skin. As expected, they are surprised by my sewing machine-like speed. The thickness and weight of the skin vary by part. Since I'm making light armor, I combine the thick, heavy parts that are as hard as rock with the thin, light parts suitable for joints. When sewing, I use techniques that give the stitches magical significance, which is possible because of the high affinity of mithril with magic. Before I know it, the boar's skin has transformed into a fine set of light armor, almost magically.

Casually looking at the leftover skin, I have an idea.

"It seems the light armor will be ready by breakfast… Souji, please work hard. I'll hurry and prepare breakfast."

"Kuna, wait a moment. I just thought of something. While making my light armor, I want to make innerwear for everyone using the thin skin."

Using the thinnest parts of the skin, I can make innerwear that can be worn under armor. It will be slightly warm but has excellent shock absorption, cut resistance, and fire resistance, which are significant advantages.

"It's very convenient. Even though it's just innerwear, it has much better defense than a poor iron armor."

"Oh, that's a good idea. I value agility, so lightweight and high-performance armor is great."

"Right, I can't wear heavy things either, so this will be helpful."

Both of them, being explorers, understand how convenient this is. Especially Kuna and Anne, who avoid heavy equipment due to their combat styles. In fact, heavy armor is unsuitable for explorers who operate over long distances for extended periods.

"Cough, so, I need to measure your sizes. Since it will be close-fitting, I need detailed information. Could you go back to the tent and let me measure you? …Good, the tent hasn't been packed up yet."

"Um, you mean…"

"Yeah, I need you to change into your underwear for the measurements."

When I say this, Kuna trembles.

"If it's for the armor, I have no choice. Let's go, Kuna."

Anne places a hand on Kuna's shoulder.

"Ugh, I'm really happy about the increased defense, but… I can't show my underwear in broad daylight like this. It's too embarrassing."

Kuna crouches down, hugging herself. I see, so that's how it is.

"Really, you can't do it?"

"…Well, it's not impossible, but there's a huge resistance. It's still bright and embarrassing."

"I see…"

"But, to increase our survival rate even a little… I'll endure it. It's really unpleasant, but I'll try!"

Kuna raises her head with a determined expression, her face red and almost defiant.

"I see, if it's that much trouble, it's fine. I'll make it without measuring."

"Huh?"

"Look, you've shown me your underwear a few times, right? It's burned into my memory. I can make it without measuring, but it won't be perfect. Since Kuna is still growing, there will be some errors, and we'll need to make adjustments after it's made. I asked because I didn't want the extra work."

I have every detail of Kuna's body, including the location of her moles, memorized. I can make a fairly accurate piece.

"Souji, why did you ask me to change into my underwear then?"

"As I said, adjustments are needed, and I didn't want to do the work twice. Also, I thought it was a chance to see Kuna's skin. But if you're that uncomfortable, I won't mind the extra work."

Kuna lowers her head, her fists trembling.

"Souji, you're such a jerk!"

Kuna's tone is slightly different from usual, and her face is bright red as she shouts. Looking at her, I find her anger endearing.

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I felt that even an angry Kuna was cute.