Chapter 45

The magic circle is drawn by referring to a sample book, using a special ink made through alchemy, which carries magical power. The formula for the ink is not a closely guarded secret and is generally available in alchemical shops, though the quality may vary.

"There’s a book in the library that describes how to make the ink," Christina informed me. I had expected to struggle with the recipe, but it seems I can gather the necessary materials more easily than I thought.

I recalled Al from the Adventurer’s Guild saying that magic is not as prevalent in Dears. Perhaps there’s more information available in countries that specialize in it.

Christina chose a magic circle with a magic power-up effect, while I chose one with a protective effect. My reason was simple: I liked the look of the magic circle. I need to buy the sample book to memorize all the magic circles. The samples I saw were in a binder, and an old man with ink-stained sleeves removed the metal clasps to set the chosen pages on a writing stand. I’m sorry for the trouble.

For the gemstones, Christina chose a ruby, and I chose a crystal. The gems here seemed quite expensive!

Actually, the crystal was of a lower material rank among the ones displayed, so I chose it because I intended to do the alchemy myself. There were higher-ranked crystals, but they were displayed separately. It’s nice of them to arrange them by rank. I need to get the [Mineral and Metal Appraisal] skill for this.

It seems that the success rate of alchemy increases when using similar materials. The easily transcribed crystal is used as a base by artisans to write the magic circle before transmuting it into the main gemstone. The innkeeper doesn’t engage in much small talk, but the artisan’s advice is helpful. I should remember it.

Under the guidance of the artisan, we wrote in silence for a while. If you lack the aptitude, the result will be just a pattern with no effect, and if your INT is low, you won’t be able to complete it, and the effect will disappear. Can’t this be made into a stamp? It would be difficult to carve, though, given the fine details.

"I’m done."

"Me too."

"Hmm, you both did well," the artisan commented, apparently satisfied that the magic circles were functioning properly.

"Let’s have the artisan transmute them," the innkeeper said, smiling as he respectfully took Christina’s magic circle and handed it to the artisan.

"Can I do mine myself?"

"Do you have alchemy skills?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then please do as you wish. Feel free to use the alchemy table."

The innkeeper’s gaze barely left Christina. It seems that her magic stone production is the most important matter for him at the moment.

I’m being treated so casually!

In any case, the alchemy table is a step up from the portable transmutation circle. I can perform three alchemies. The alchemy table, activated with magic, displays the same pattern as the transmutation circle.

One is a crystal the size of a finger tip, shaped like a teardrop, one is the protective magic circle I wrote earlier, and the last one is a magic circle with a spell. I want to use a harmless and compatible spell, so a healing spell would be good.

Incidentally, the success rate for three-material synthesis is 100%, but it can vary based on the material rank and the spell used. Without the dexterity gloves, the success rate for two-material synthesis is 70%, and for three-material synthesis, it’s 60%. I have the Master Ring equipped. Given my low level, this is to be expected, but if magic is a requirement for alchemy, a mage’s natural dexterity would likely result in a poor outcome.

However, if I make alchemy my main profession and level up, my stats will improve accordingly. A thief who becomes a mage, or a mage who comes from another production profession, would likely be the most skilled alchemist.

Conversely, the success rate for "infusing magic" seems to depend on INT and the level of the spell. Generally, the longer the casting time, the lower the success rate.

Now, when I try to choose a spell, I’m shocked by my low spell levels.

Except for darkness, none of my spells exceed level 20. If my light spell was level 20, I could have infused a spell that pairs well with the Shadow Claw.

Since there’s no other choice, I’ll infuse the highest-level spell, Shadow Claw.

I should improve my combat skills to enhance my production. Even with low spell levels, the success rate shouldn’t decrease.

The circle glowed brightly and then faded, leaving a thin purple gem with the magic circle embedded in it.

Where did the crystal go? It was supposed to be transparent!

Upon closer inspection, I realized the crystal was still transparent, but the purple magic circle inside it glowed faintly, making it appear pale purple at first glance.

[Blackbird Crystal Amulet]

Maker: Rengard

Evaluation: 10 Rank: 4

Effect: Provides mental protection.

Material Characteristics: None

Wearing it calms the mind.

If cursed or mentally attacked, it will take the hit twice.

The evaluation 10 effect causes feathers to fly at the target, revealing the attacker.

I made this.

It seems to be treated as an item, and I was able to appraise it. If I take it into battle, it might break easily. Perhaps there’s no limit if it’s not a crystal. Or maybe items with individual resistances like [Curse Resistance] are better because they are always active. The name can be changed, but I don’t have the naming sense to do so.

"Did it go well for both of us?"

Christina, who had been watching the artisan transmute her magic circle, came over.

"Yes, I learned a lot thanks to you."

"Would you like to exchange our stones as a memento? Of course, only if you don’t have any plans to use them."

"Wouldn’t the value of a crystal and a ruby be mismatched?"

I don’t plan to use it in combat, so I don’t mind.

"Oh, the value lies in the fact that we made them together today. Actually, this is my first time walking around the city alone and entering a shop with someone other than my family. And, well, I often see students at the academy exchanging things with their friends and looking so happy..."

Her gaze shifted, and her ears turned red.

I often receive gifts, but... her voice trailed off.

Is she a loner? A high-class flower, perhaps.

"Let’s keep it a secret."

I dropped the newly made magic stone into Christina’s hand, smiling so the innkeeper wouldn’t see.

"Keep it a secret?"

She placed a ruby in my hand with a puzzled look.

If she smiled more and stopped making that forced, expressionless face, she could easily make friends and even find a lover. The secret is that my name is clearly on it.

"Let’s not talk about magic stones here."

[Power Ruby]

Maker: Howell Magic Stone Shop

Evaluation: 4 Rank: 3

Material Characteristics: Affinity with fire

Effect: Enhances magic power

A gem typically used in wands or accessories.

The description is rather unenthusiastic. It would have been better if Christina’s name was on it. I’ll give it to Julius to have it attached to a wand.

Christina fell silent.

"I’ll take my leave, innkeeper."

She turned and headed for the exit with an expressionless face.

Did I upset her? Was the result that bad? The innkeeper hurried after her. I followed Christina as well.

Oh, did she think I was using a fake name, Homura?

No, that’s not it.

It seems she was trying to keep it a secret. When she tried to cover it up, her noble expression came out.

We were led to a large inn’s first floor, which was divided into sections by screens, resembling a café and lobby. It seems small talk in the hallway was not ladylike.

"Why is it glowing?"

"Maybe because it has an evaluation of 10?"

I heard that infusing a spell can make it glow... As a magic knight, you can use magic, right? I’m surprised. Can I appraise it?"

"Sure."

So infusing a spell makes it glow.

Christina also has the appraisal skill, and she seems to have a good eye for gems. I appraised it before I could stop myself, and I regret it.

"I’ve never seen a crystal with this effect. A gem that protects against curses and mental attacks without a limit is rumored to be a royal treasure. The limit is due to the strength of the stone, I suppose... I’ll return it to you."

It’s rare, then. If it were a royal treasure without a limit, it could be used in combat. I wonder what it’s made of.

"Why?"

"It doesn’t match my magic stone."

"Is there no use for it?"

"A noble would want it, but I can’t accept an evaluation of 10. The price wouldn’t match."

Now that she mentions it, for a noble who doesn’t go to the front lines, it might be better to protect against a wide range of attacks rather than a specific curse. You never know where or what kind of jealousy might lead to trouble, and physical attacks are usually handled by guards. Unlike monsters, humans might try different methods if a curse doesn’t work.

In that sense, the one I made protects against invisible attacks and reveals the attacker. The attacker is likely a hired hand.

Well, my imagination about the nobility’s infighting is just that.

"The value lies in the fact that we made them together today, right?"

When I repeated her words, she hesitated but finally accepted it.

"I’ll take good care of it."

No, use it, please?

"Is the secret the effect or the name?"

"The name. It’s the name used when making items. I don’t mind if the product is criticized, but I don’t want it to be known that I made it."

"I understand. I’ll say I know Homura but have never met Lord Rengard, is that okay?"

"Yes."

I appreciate the quick agreement. Though, it’s strange to hear "Lord" attached to Rengard.

After that, I was told the location of the Mage Guild and went to the library. I was taught how to register, but time was up, and it seemed Christina had to return to the academy.

I signed the proof of completion and added 500 silver. The certificate stated it was for Group A’s assignment.

When I asked, Group A was described vaguely but seemed to be a gathering of children from prominent families, and the idea was proposed by a male student of higher status. The task was to interact with tourists using only their own knowledge, without guards or revealing their status.

I suggested they at least go in pairs for safety, but I was gently discouraged.

"Why 500 silver, not 300?"

"Food, gemstone shop, inn, Mage Guild, library."

"Rest stops weren’t part of the tour, and I just passed by the guild."

"That inn requires an introduction, so it’s a fee for connections. The rest is a thank you for getting permission to view the magic books."

The magic books are in a separate building, and students from the magic academy frequently visit. Due to the high status of the students, a separate qualification is required for library access. The qualification includes students from academic academies and this country’s students, while non-students can obtain it through the temple, Mage Guild, or a noble’s introduction.

Incidentally, most students at the academic academy do not have magic aptitude.

The magic academy’s uniform is a short jacket with a long skirt for girls and a military-style uniform for boys. The academic academy’s uniform is a sailor-style dress for girls and a blazer for boys.

"It’s something you get just by being part of the Mage Guild."

"The registration process is a hassle. It was fun to be guided to places I couldn’t enter alone today."

I spent a lot, but I should be able to get rice!

I shook hands with Christina and parted ways.

Now, I’d like to read until closing, but I need to get the rice before the library closes.

The location is almost diagonally opposite from here, at the Earth Temple. Let’s go by carriage.

If I had time, I could walk and explore, but the shops will close when the sun sets. I’m glad I took the [Nausea Resistance] skill.

I got off at the Earth Temple and walked a bit.

White, summon!

"Didn’t you say you’d call me for battle last time?"

"I think I did say that."

"You..."

"I’ll call you outside next time."

Wonderful fluffiness.

The place I arrived at was smaller than I expected.

But when I showed the introduction letter, I was directed to a large building next door. It seems their main business is direct sales to restaurants, and they sell surplus or bulk items at the small shop next door.

"What do you need this time?"

"Rice, rice. I’m looking for an ingredient."

I showed the introduction letter, and a man wiped his hands on a towel and came out.

"Ah, you’re the one with the letter."

"Yes, I’d like some rice."

"Who’s this ‘the one’? Are you a personal friend of the chef, not just a business connection? I thought it was a business connection."

"This is a rare ingredient, and there’s limited use for it here, so we don’t sell it to individuals."

"Then, if you tell me where it’s produced, I can buy it myself, but that would disrupt your supply, right?"

"It’s rare because it’s produced far away and there’s no demand here. I can tell you the location, but there are multiple producers."

"Great! I’m happy, but will the owner be upset?"

"I’m the owner."

Oh, the owner of this large shop works here too.

"Is the introduction letter addressed to the owner?"

"It was sealed, so I didn’t see the contents. I only heard the shop’s name and location."

I answered White’s question.

"You’re handling heavy ingredients and still doing the stocking, you’re energetic."

"You can’t judge the quality of ingredients while sitting down."

This wholesaler is great. It makes me happy.

"Follow me, I’ll sell you what’s left over from the last batch."

The rice from the restaurant might be different from the rice I eat in the real world. No, the development team here seems to be food enthusiasts, so there must be delicious rice...

If I get rice, I can make sake. If I can make sake, I can make mirin and shochu. I can enjoy Japanese cuisine for a while without soy sauce or miso. I’ve researched koji on the internet, and while I might fail in the real world, the cooking here is forgiving.

Whether making koji is considered cooking is a mystery. It would be nice to make good koji spores. I followed with enthusiasm.

"You really look happy."

"You really look happy."

I was so excited that I got double-taken.

We left the reception room and passed through the office to reach a warehouse and loading area.

The flat, open space was like a market, filled with various ingredients. Unlike a market, the shelves were lined up neatly.

Colorful ingredients were being loaded onto carts and transported.

Those must be ingredients that require freshness.

Here.

Among them, the rice was in burlap bags with the husks still on. It seems to be unhusked.

But, was this fortunate for making koji? When I researched koji, it mentioned making spores from the small, black spheres on the rice stalks.

"There are many other ingredients here. Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes, this is what I want."

"I don’t think it has a particularly addictive taste."

Does this old man taste every ingredient that arrives?

"It’s not addictive, but it’s a staple. Do you want to try it?"

"Since you look so happy, I’ll try it."

That’s how it happened.