Chapter 35

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Name: Honda Mako

Skills: 《Alchemy Lv.2》《Paint》《Dialogue》……

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"Hmm?"

I opened the status window in my head and was about to check my status when I noticed an unfamiliar word added to my skills.

Right, the other night—when the third princess Antimisca and her royal army came to take over this village, and we defeated them.

The night I slept with Mau, Meala, and Gara on top of Entia's body—just before I lost consciousness, something changed in my status.

I had completely forgotten about it.

"But… 《Paint》, huh?"

As a former home center employee, it's a word I'm quite familiar with.

Honestly, if it's just as I imagine, there's no clearer ability than this.

"Maybe I should try it out right away."

"Huh? What's wrong, Mako?"

Mau and Meala, who had just returned from a walk with Entia, tilted their heads in curiosity when they saw me standing alone in the house.

"No, it's nothing. Oh, right. Mau, Meala, do you have a brush?"

"Brush?"

"Yes, made from animal hair… oh, right, a pen or something would work too."

"Hmm, a pen… I don't think we have one."

Mau and Meala crossed their arms and looked puzzled.

I see, they probably don't have one…

"Um? What's wrong, you two? Why are you frowning here?"

At that moment, a giant white wolf entered the house.

It's Entia, the wolf who claims to be the descendant of the divine wolf.

"Hmm, but Lady. It's been getting hotter lately. I'm also in the season where my fur starts to change, and it feels rough and uncomfortable."

"It's the season for summer fur… Entia! Perfect timing!"

"Huh?"

Entia's white fur is smooth and soft.

Using it, I'm sure I can make a high-quality brush.

"I just need a bucket and some water… Alright!"

I clapped my hands.

Mau, Meala, and Entia were startled.

"Mau, Meala! Can you call Gara? Entia! I'm going to brush your fur now!"

"Ah! I was worried that my fluffiness would decrease and make you sad, but I'm glad you said that!"

"What what! What are we doing today!"

Entia, Mau, and Meala looked at me excitedly.

Such adorable guys.

I pointed at them and announced:

"Hehehe… I'm going to make this house stronger!"

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Let me introduce myself suddenly.

My name is Honda Makoto.

I used to be a home center employee, working hard every day to the point of exhaustion, a so-called "salaryman."

One day, with a heavy schedule, I fell asleep at the front door when I got home.

When I woke up, I found myself in a different world, a fantasy world.

In my head, I could see my status screen—like an RPG.

Additionally, I had three titles, which I think came from my knowledge and experience as a home center employee: 《DIY Master》, 《Green Master》, and 《Pet Master》.

Based on these titles, various skills awakened in me.

《Alchemy》—the ability to create any metal I've touched at the home center.

《Dialogue》—the ability to communicate with animals.

《Liquid Fertilizer》—the ability to create three types of liquid fertilizers to help plants grow.

And so on.

I now live in Abatos Village with the twins, Mau and Meala, who are wolf beast people I met by chance.

There's also Orkidia, the princess of the Alraune, and her daughter Fressa.

Gara, a half-demon human who used to belong to a dark guild.

I met them by chance and now live with them in this village.

Additionally, Ixas, the son of the king of this country, and his escort (or rather, supervisor) Suaro.

Meeting many people and interacting with them, I've become a resident of this world and now live a free and easy life.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

"Is this the right feel?"

"Yeah, that's it!"

A tall, well-built man with a sharp face under his black hair said to me.

It's Gara, a former dark guild warrior who lives in this village with me.

Gara handed me a tool he made: a wooden handle with Entia's brushed fur attached, secured with wire I created using 《Alchemy》.

It's a genuine brush, no doubt.

When I touched the white fur part, it was incredibly soft.

"Good job."

"Mako, I brought the bucket."

Mau and Meala brought a wooden bucket.

It was empty.

"Okay, then…"

I focused and tried to activate the new power inside me—《Paint》.

A faint light overflowed from my body and gathered at my outstretched fingertips.

The light formed a spherical mass—

"Wow!"

Mau exclaimed in surprise.

A spherical liquid floated in the air.

It was a white liquid.

"Good…"

I dropped it into the empty bucket.

With a splash, the liquid filled the bucket.

"What is this… milk?"

"No, no, don't drink it by mistake."

I peered into the bucket and sniffed.

…Yeah, this smell is unmistakable.

"Sure enough. It's proper 'paint.'"

As the name suggests, 《Paint》 is the ability to create "paint."

From the weak smell, it's probably water-based paint.

There are two main types of paint: water-based and oil-based.

Water-based paint doesn't mean it will wash off if water touches it; it just means the paint contains water.

It's easy to apply, has a weak smell, and is suitable for beginners.

On the other hand, oil-based paint has a strong smell and takes longer to dry, but it's stronger as a paint.

"To paint the walls… I think I'll use oil-based paint."

I discarded the water-based paint in the bucket (by digging a hole and burying it), washed the bucket with water, and then tried to create oil-based paint.

A yellowish liquid appeared in the air.

This time, I successfully created oil-based paint.

The color was a light oak stain, as I intended.

…Amazing.

No, really, this ability is incredibly powerful.

Because "paint" isn't just for coloring walls and roofs.

It contains waterproofing and anti-corrosion agents, so it also provides waterproofing and anti-corrosion effects.

Additionally, it has insect repellent and termite repellent effects to prevent damage from pests like termites.

Moreover, this is paint created using my magic power.

From the precedent of 《Liquid Fertilizer》, it must have significant effects…

…Won't this break the balance of this world?

…But if I start saying that, 《Alchemy》, 《Liquid Fertilizer》, and 《Dialogue》 are all powerful in their own ways…

"Are you going to paint the walls with this?"

"It's so thick…"

"Yeah, that's right. But before that—"

Currently, our house is covered with "metal siding."

Since painting over it would be pointless, we decided to remove it.

…However, after removing the "metal siding" with Gara and the others and laying it on the ground… what should we do with it?

"Hmm… there's no other use for it, right?"

It's completely industrial waste.

My 《Alchemy》 can create things, but I'm stuck with the disposal since it's already created.

"Ah, it would be nice if I could also make things disappear with 《Alchemy》."

While thinking this, I touched the siding.

Instantly, the touched siding disintegrated into particles of light and dispersed in the air.

"…What!?"

No way!

I can make things disappear too!?

I tried touching other pieces of siding.

…It worked.

"I can't believe this convenient feature was there all along…"

I didn't know.

…Wait, hold on?

I opened the status window in my head.

"…It's at Lv.2"

I had forgotten about it because I was focused on 《Paint》, but 《Alchemy》 had somehow leveled up to 《Alchemy Lv.2》.

Maybe it grew?

So, the metal I create can now be erased by my will.

…Anyway.

"Yay! I got an ultra-convenient ability!"

"Whoa! You scared me!"

"…Mako, you often shout suddenly, don't you?"

"Sorry, sorry! Come on, let's start painting the walls!"

Encouraged by my high spirits, Mau, Meala, and Gara began painting the house.

—A few hours later.

"Done!"

"We're finished."

"Yeah, it looks great!"

The wooden walls, which were originally bare, were now painted a bright light oak color, giving the house a genuine wooden feel.

The wood grain stood out, creating a nice atmosphere.

"Surely, this will make the house stronger. It will now be resistant to rain, humidity, and pests."

"Really!? That's amazing!"

"Mako, Gara, why don't you rebuild the houses of the other villagers too?"

Meala, you casually said something incredible.

No, when I built this house, I was exhausted after two all-nighters.

"What do you think, Gara?"

"…It sounds interesting."

Gara smiled slightly.

Gara is on board now.

…Actually, this might be the first time I've seen Gara smile.

"Hey, Mako! Mr. Weeblue is here!"

At that moment, Ram, one of the Beowulfs living in the village, came over.

"Uga and the others are already gathered. What's up?"

"Huh? Is something happening?"

"Hey, you forgot!?"

Ram shouted in surprise.

"The direct store we're planning to open in the capital! We were supposed to discuss the product selection and store design today, right!?"

"…Oh, right."

I was so focused on painting the house that I completely forgot.

Yes, we have a major project coming up.

We're planning to open a direct store in the capital of this country, selling the village's specialties with the help of the Weeblue family.