Chapter 97

"Sorry to keep you waiting.

I'll do my best.

As the Wetland Expedition Team advanced to near the center of the wetlands, they rescued Zaid's private soldiers. According to one of the soldiers, Zaid and his private army had ventured into the dangerous central area of the wetlands but were attacked by a large army of hydras and scattered.

Kail decided to rescue Zaid and his private soldiers. The adventurer team led by Raidock and the lizardman team led by Jurara began a joint exploration of the depths of the wetlands.

Although I simply say 'the depths of the wetlands' and 'the central area,' the area is vast, large enough to accommodate an entire city-state.

The exploration won't be easy.

Kail's team, who stayed behind, set up a camp to support them.

I finished my assigned tasks.

'Hey, Reifan. Don't you think my job is a bit too light?'

All I did was manage the inventory of items and circulate among the soldiers to check if there were any problems.

'Craft's job is to rest! So you can act immediately if something happens!'

'Ah...'

Indeed, I lacked the awareness of being Kail's bodyguard.

I decided to rest in a wagon prepared next to the one for Kail and Myuna.

Then, Mr. Jabeel walked over.

'Craft, can I have a word with you?'

'Of course, Mr. Jabeel. I'll make some tea, so please have a seat.'

'Um-hmm.'

I put tea leaves into the pot and poured hot water. The water was created by magic, a use of magic power that I never imagined during my adventurer days. I offered the cheap cup of tea to Mr. Jabeel.

'Hmm. You should learn more about how to brew tea.'

'Ugh... I'm sorry. Ryuko brews it much better with the same tea leaves...'

'Think of it as alchemy. It's the same as managing the extraction temperature of herbs.'

I never thought of it that way!

'I'll work on it.'

From now on, I'll learn how to brew tea as part of my training from Ryuko.

As I clenched my fist in determination, Mr. Jabeel's expression turned serious.

'Um-hmm. Now, the main topic. How much do you understand about orichalcum?'

'Orichalcum?'

'Um-hmm.'

An alloy of mithril and adamantite, with a good balance of weight and magical properties, making it ideal for both weapons and armor. Furthermore, through alchemy, it can be made into a psychically sensitive metal, useful as a communication device.

I explained this to Mr. Jabeel, using technical terms. He shook his head weakly.

'I'm not asking about its characteristics as a metal. I'm asking about the effects of orichalcum.'

'Effects...?'

Should I think about it like the commotion that would be three times greater than when mithril is found?

'Hmm. Then let me lecture you. First of all, orichalcum as a metal is hardly known.'

'Come to think of it, even adventurers don't know about it.'

'Um-hmm. And even then, it's just a rumor about an amazing metal, right?'

'Yes.'

'In other words, except for a few people, no one knows what orichalcum is.'

'I see.'

'Among them, the psychic sensitivity you confirmed is a completely unknown fact.'

'Really?'

As I tilted my head, Mr. Jabeel showed me an orichalcum ring.

'This communication magic device you made. I didn't know how it could communicate.'

'Huh? So you knew about the magic device itself?'

Indeed, Mr. Jabeel is impressive.

'Um-hmm. I knew of its existence, but it was the first time I held one.'

'Then, didn't you know about the characteristics of orichalcum?'

'No, I heard that orichalcum is used in magic devices, but I didn't know that its special properties were being utilized.'

'I see.'

If even Mr. Jabeel doesn't know, then the number of people who do know must be very small.

'So, Mr. Jabeel, is there a problem?'

'Fool. There are many problems. You might think it's just a convenient magic device, but its value is immeasurable.'

'More than convenient?'

Personally, I thought it was great that it allowed conversation even when separated, and I had considered its military use, like in this situation.

'Hmm... For example, if someone in the capital has this magic device and hears that magic stones have risen in price, what would you do?'

'Well, I'd ask someone like Akindo... a merchant to sell a lot... Ah!'

Until now, I had only thought from an adventurer's perspective, but from a merchant's perspective, it would generate incredible profits!

'What about information like a political change in a neighboring empire and the dispatch of a large army to this country?'

'...Without such information, they would likely be caught off guard and suffer a major blow.'

This time, it's from a military perspective.

Wait a minute.

Isn't this communication magic device more dangerous than I imagined?

Seeing my changed expression, Mr. Jabeel nodded.

'You seem to understand a bit. This magic device is not only wonderful but also dangerous. Most importantly, it consumes a tremendous amount of magic power, so not just anyone can use it.'

Come to think of it, when I gave the ring to Eva, she muttered something similar.

Professional mages really are smart.

I thought I understood to some extent, but I still had a bit to learn.

'Well, then, should we seal this magic device?'

'No, it's fine to use it. However, it's better not to make any more.'

'I understand!'

Mr. Jabeel nodded in satisfaction.

'Well, the communication magic device should only be held by those you trust. Conversely, it might be okay to let some weapons made of orichalcum out into the world.'

'What do you mean?'

'The fact that orichalcum has been found can no longer be hidden. Kail is managing it, and the merchants know about it.'

'So it seems.'

When Akindo begged me to sell him a wagon full of gold coins, I was so surprised I nearly fell over.

I wonder when he made so much money.

'If it's known that weapons made of orichalcum have been distributed to nobles and adventurers, the rumors will settle down. No one would imagine that it was found in ingot form.'

Wait a minute.

I told Mr. Jabeel about the ingots, but did I mention that I made ten of them?

Well, it doesn't matter.

'In that case, I have a good idea.'

'What is it?'

'Since Raidock will probably shine in this operation, why not give him a sword made of orichalcum as a special reward to cover it up?'

'Hmm...'

Mr. Jabeel was silent for a while, folding his arms.

'It might be a bit too much as a reward.'

'Indeed... Well, I'll discuss it with Kail.'

'Um-hmm. Kail will come up with a good reason.'

It's very reassuring that Mr. Jabeel trusts Kail.

'From now on, I'll consult with Kail about orichalcum.'

'I understand.'

Just as I nodded, the sound of battle echoed from outside.

'What!?'

I jumped out of the wagon and saw Kail's private soldiers, who were resting, moving around. One of them ran over.

'Craft! A group of hydras is approaching from the ten o'clock direction! It's a number we can handle, but it's a bit too many! Just in case, please stay near Kail!'

'Understood!'

I rushed to Kail and Myuna's wagon with Mr. Jabeel. It was right next to us.

There, the self-proclaimed adventurer Van Vain stood in front of the wagon. A red-bearded man, probably a noble.

'I heard that the hydras in this area have been reduced, but they've come back?'

Van calmly stroked his chin. I think he's lying about being an adventurer, but he seems experienced in rough situations.

'Originally, we planned to clear the shallow areas of the wetlands and this slightly deeper area before moving on. Do you understand why?'

Van shrugged.

'Yeah. Because there are a lot of hydras spread out in this vast wetland.'

'That's right. We planned to eliminate as many hydras as possible before attacking the most dangerous central area of the wetlands, where the plant density increases dramatically.'

'Can't be helped if it's to help people.'

'Yeah.'

Zaid is annoying, but he is Kail's brother.

Personally, I want Zaid to suffer.

It's questionable whether he's still alive.

Since his survival hasn't been confirmed, the search is urgent.

Considering Kail's kind heart, he would want to save Zaid alive.

The sound of battle intensified.

Kail, worried, poked his head out of the wagon.

'Brother Craft...'

I smiled to reassure him.

'It's fine. The number is high, but your soldiers are excellent.'

'I understand that. But...'

It doesn't seem like they're struggling, but should I go help?

As I was hesitating, Van grinned.

'Alright. I'll go.'

Van picked up a giant, pure white sword as tall as himself.