Chapter 72

The Magic City of Ail.

I came here to obtain the "Stardust of Tigar," but it's still bright. Since the place where it can be found is called the Starfall Hill, it would be better to go at night.

So, I decided to visit the temples that I had only briefly seen last time and spend the remaining time in the library.

I visited the Temple of Tasha, where I summoned White, and then proceeded to worship at the other temples in a clockwise direction. During the journey, I stopped by shops selling snacks and stores with unfamiliar items.

I ignored a message from the Guild Master of Moss. I don't need any troublesome business while sightseeing.

If I visit all the temples, I'll mostly cover the main tourist spots. However, from my encounter with Christina last time, I know that the truly prestigious facilities in this capital are not on the main streets but in quiet, secluded areas.

The stores on the main streets are mostly large, catering to tourists. While they are open and dazzling, making people feel uplifted, some might hesitate to enter due to the size of the stores and their wallets.

The wholesale shop of the old man, which doesn't accept casual customers, is located on both the main and secondary streets, but that's understandable given the constant flow of carts. The nature of the business is different.

By the way, is the effect of "Asha's Glance Guide" making me bump into people when I turn a corner or leave a temple? But the ratio of men and women is about even?

I elegantly avoid men and support women if they seem about to fall. I'm a bit unsatisfied and wanted to pet the now larger White, but my request was rejected.

Each temple has a large, white statue.

The Temple of Tasha has a wise old man with a long, rich beard, wearing a robe and holding an open book.

The Temple of Asha has a mighty man in battle attire, holding a sword.

The Temple of Var has a liberated beauty in light clothing, looking up at the sky.

The Temple of Dull has a small old woman wearing a shawl, dropping seeds from her hand onto the earth.

The Temple of Rasha has a delicate boy holding a large hammer, with a smile that seems to say "hehe" ——

"I've secured it."

Rasha, with a smile, sat down.

However, not only Rasha, but also Dull, whom I met last time in farmer's attire, is sitting next to him. Wait, isn't what you're dragging with your hand Tasha?

Huh? Am I imagining things?

Hmm? You mean "secured" in that sense?

What? It's my fault?

"Sorry, I don't know how to react."

"Give up. If you try to reason with them, you'll end up like Tasha."

Dull looked at me and then at Tasha, offering advice. I'm not sure if it's really advice.

"Can you tell me what kind of relationship you have with the gods?"

White looked at me with a deadpan expression.

I don't think it's my fault!

"Since we have Tasha and Dull, we can make most things, right? I want to eat curry, though♪"

Rasha, with a smile, made a request. His voice was lively, as if there were musical notes at the end of his words.

It doesn't seem like Tasha agrees, but I'm not sure.

"Would a dark, hoppy beer or Japanese sake be okay?"

"Spicy,"

Tasha, who has given up and is helping, said. I remember he liked Japanese sake last time.

"Got it, I'll make both sweet and spicy."

Dull had prepared meat this time, so I could also make dried meat jerky for Tasha.

The meat served included chicken from the Lantern Bird and Honey Flower Bird, pork from the Fire Pig and Demon Horn Pig, and even Dragon meat!

... It's a trap that I couldn't butcher with my cooking tools. I'll have to ask Ruba to make a knife. I froze for a moment, holding the broken knife.

"Oh, I don't know much about cooking, but I can make the tools."

Rasha, noticing my frozen state, made a set of luxurious cooking tools and lent them to me. A set of tools made by the god of craftsmen, Rasha, including knives, pots, and pans.

"Really, they're completely different. I thought the previous ones were delicious, but I can't explain how they're different, but they are delicious."

Rasha's request for green curry.

Dull's vegetable dishes are indeed different in both strength and delicacy. I made Mapo Tofu with Sichuan pepper and deep-fried Lantern Birds with chili powder, but the green curry was apparently the best.

"Hmm, this cold tofu is good."

Dull's preference for tofu dishes and noodles was revealed. I thought about making soba and udon, but I realized the broth would be a problem with seafood. I need to research how to make ramen later... Once a recipe is made, it's recorded, so I can make it again even if I forget. I've been researching and gradually increasing my recipes before logging in. I can overwrite and improve them if I come up with something better.

Rasha seemed to like the pot-au-feu with ice wine and bone-in meat, which was a relief. I guess he likes meat.

I, on the other hand, had unlimited vegetables, so I made salads and pickles to my heart's content. Can I take soy sauce and miso back with me?

And then, the Dragon Steak!

This is the product of my desire. When it comes to dragons, it has to be steak! Somehow, but! The red meat part is thick, and the marbled part is served with wasabi.

The red meat, grilled to a crispy exterior, is about six centimeters thick, so the inside is medium-rare. When you bite into it, the meat juices overflow. The taste is amazing, and the feeling of eating meat is wonderful.

In contrast, the marbled meat is incredibly tender, with a sweet fat that doesn't linger in the mouth. I added wasabi thinking the fat might linger, but it seems unnecessary.

White, enjoying strawberries with red seeds, and I, savoring the meat.

The wasabi was surprisingly delicious on its own. The grilled onions served as a side dish were also incredibly tasty, and Dull's vegetables are always exceptional.

"I like the strong beer, but Japanese sake is good too."

"Hmm, this green tea is good. I prefer this over alcohol."

"I like beer after farm work, but Japanese sake is good with meals."

Rasha, drinking beer, said, Tasha, sniffing the green tea, said, and Dull, eating cold tofu, said. I prepared various seasonings like ginger, scallions, and sesame.

There are so many gods, like the "God of Smithing," the "God of Springs," and the "God of Cobblestones," and I wonder if it's okay for me to serve the upper gods. The food is delicious, so I have no complaints, but something feels off.

"Have you finally entered the dungeon?"

"Yeah, I'm still on the 10th floor."

"What are you talking about?"

When I answered Dull's question, Rasha asked what it was about.

"Last time, in the lower levels of the dungeon, I was advised to get meat more quickly."

"Ah, honestly, I don't understand much about cooking or ingredients, but based on the current Dragon Steak, there are many delicious meats."

The specific names are meat, but what kind of monsters are there...?

"This time, I brought them randomly, but it's better if you choose based on your knowledge."

"Am I a material hunter?"

"‘Material Hunter’ sounds good!"

Rasha laughed and clapped his hands in joy.

"Since you were favored by the whimsical Var and the difficult Tasha, I was curious about what kind of creature you are."

What kind of creature? It looks friendly but is completely black, you know.

"You seem to have more preferences than Rasha."

"Hehe."

"You observe well. This one is as whimsical as Var and as difficult as Tasha, and is also capricious. Last time, he was quite forceful in creating a connection with you."

"Rasha, who doesn't stay in one place, meeting you several times in a short period is rare, and it's even rarer for the serious Tasha to grant favor. Dull, who usually blesses defensive roles, blessing an offensive role is also rare. It's no wonder I'm curious. Plus, the food was delicious."

Saying this, he clinked his glass and then became serious.

"You captivate me. Be your own king. Be as calm and sure as gold. Know that there is no constraint or domination."

After saying words similar to what I heard from Var and Tasha before, he disappeared.

"Phew, truly rare."

"While you find it rare, I've never heard of him giving [Blessing] to anyone other than craftsmen, let alone [Favor]."

What? Does [Favor] not come automatically after meeting twice? Or is it rare to meet them at all?

"He avoids adventurers, thinking they are ‘reckless destroyers,’ but a creator outside his domain is rare."

"Well, I also want to eat delicious food."

"Are you planning to give [Favor] too?"

"That would be interesting."

Dull smiled at Tasha and said.

"You are in harmony with my heart. Be your own king. Be as unshakable as the earth. Know that there is no constraint or domination."

Dull's figure disappeared.

Are these words like a prayer when granting [Favor]?

"What should I do with this?"

The leftover food disappeared with Rasha. But the salt Rasha prepared—probably rock salt from his domain—and Dull's strawberries remained.

"Take them. For you and your beast."

"I won't refuse."

I quickly put them away and brought out the Japanese sake I had kept.

"Sorry, but this is a small token of my gratitude for the [Nether Boundary Stone]. I have a plan to make it, and coming to this country was to get the 'Stardust of Tigar.' I haven't made it yet, but I wanted to thank you now. Thank you."

"You're quite formal."

Tasha laughed, slightly surprised.

"Even though I've already given you [Favor], [Favor] and [Mission] are usually two sides of the same coin."

"[Mission]..."

"Often, it's something like 'destroy a certain evil god.' Of course, there are those like Var who give [Favor] just because they like someone, but it's rare to receive [Favor] from multiple gods without a specific mission."

"Could my mission be gathering ingredients...?"

White sighed on my lap.

"Like Dull, I'm happy to eat delicious food. If you're going to the dungeon, try this."

Tasha waved his hand, and a staff appeared in its path.

"This is a key. I wasn't involved in the beginning of the dungeon, but it shouldn't be too deep. Use it when you feel suspicious. I'm sure you can handle it."

"What is it?"

When I took the staff, he only laughed lightly in response to my question.

"Well, it seems the other gods are enjoying their interactions with you."

Saying this, Tasha disappeared last.

[Title [Rasha's Blessing] has changed to [Rasha's Favor]]

[Title [Dull's Blessing] has changed to [Dull's Favor]]

[Title [Rasha's Preparation] obtained]

[Title [Dull's Fingertip] obtained]

[Skill [Plant Growth] obtained]

[Item [Rasha's Cooking Tools] obtained]

[Item [Dungeon Key] obtained]

The title [Rasha's Preparation] allows the processing of all materials. The salt Rasha brought could be used thanks to this.

The title [Dull's Fingertip] allows all plants to grow well. It seems I should grow them myself. Can I buy a field?

I received the cooking tools.

Are these divine tools stronger than my 'Moonshadow Sword'?

The salt is 'Divine Salt' and the strawberries are 'Divine Strawberries.'

Following Tasha's advice, I gave the strawberries to White.

"Is it okay?"

He asked for confirmation but was already happily eating the strawberries.

"White must have liked them. He ate a lot during the feast."

It seems White likes strawberries, as he consumed a considerable amount during the feast. He also liked Ruby Berries before.

"Ah, give me a few seeds."

Since I received [Dull's Fingertip], I should be careful to collect seeds and seedlings. I cut a few seeds and gave them to White, who seemed reluctant to part with them. Eating the strawberries, White's luck and speed increased.

The titles and skills I received are pushing me to cook. Last time, Dull gave me [Sturdy Earth Shield] to help with dungeon exploration.

The [Dungeon Key] looks like a staff but is a key, with no stats as a weapon. It's probably the key to a hidden room.

"What's the state of your social relationships and behavior?"

White's exasperated voice echoed in the temple.

□ □ □ □ □

・Increase

Titles

[Dull's Blessing] → [Dull's Favor]

[Rasha's Blessing] → [Rasha's Favor]

[Dull's Fingertip][Rasha's Preparation]

Skills

[Plant Growth]

□ □ □ □ □

Homura Lv.34

Rank C

Clan Zodiac

Occupation Magic Swordsman, Alchemist (Assassin)

HP 1162

MP 1485

STR 50

VIT 29

INT 101

MID 34

DEX 33

AGI 60

LUK 39

*Some stats have increased due to the gods' [Favor].

NPCP [Galahad][－]

Titles

■General

[Communicator][Circulating Power][Mystery Solver]

[Economic Pioneer][Solitary Adventurer][Nine Lives]

[Sage][Elegant One][World Soarer]

[Pain Sensation Liberator][Overcoming Labyrinth Slayer]

[Defense Preparedness]

■Gods' Blessings

[Asha's Blessing][Var's Favor]

[Dull's Favor][Rasha's Favor]

[Fal's Blessing][Tasha's Favor]

[Verna's Blessing]

■Titles from Gods

[Asha's Glance Guide]

[Dull's Earth][Dull's Fingertip]

[Rasha's Eye][Rasha's Preparation]

[Fal's Saint]

[Tasha's Disciple][Tasha's Magic]

[Gods' Time]

■Slayer Series

[Lizard Slayer][Bug Slayer]

[Beast Slayer][Gel Slayer]

[Bird Slayer]

[Dragon Slayer]

■Master Rings

[Sword King][Wise King]

Skills (1SP)

■Magic and Spells

[Wood Magic Lv.28][Fire Magic Lv.30][Earth Magic Lv.28]

[Gold Magic Lv.27][Water Magic Lv.27][☆Wind Magic Lv.29]

[Light Magic Lv.27][☆Dark Magic Lv.28]

[☆Thunder Magic Lv.28][Scorching Magic Lv.9][☆Ice Magic Lv.22]

[☆Heavy Magic Lv.21][☆Air Magic Lv.23][☆Time Magic Lv.21]

[Druid Magic Lv.22][☆Alchemy Magic Lv.1]

■Healing and Holy Magic

[Holy Magic Lv.22]

[Illusion Lv.1]

■Other Magic

[Magic Shield][Layering]

[☆Area Magic Lv.25][☆Attack Recovery Magic Lv.21]

[☆Magic Effect Lv.19]

[☆Action Chant][☆Chantless]

[☆Magic Charge Lv.12]

■Swordsmanship

[Swordsmanship Lv.29][Slash]

[Sword Lv.29][☆Flash Lv.24]

[☆Phantom Blade Lv.19]

■Throwing Weapons

[Thread Lv.25]

■Other Physical Skills

[Throwing Lv.6]

[☆Observation Lv.27][Physical Effect Lv.10]

■Defensive Skills

[☆Sturdy Earth Shield]

■Other Combat Skills

[☆Magic Nullification][☆Weapon Retention Lv.25]

■Summoning

[White Lv.14]

■Spirit Magic

Water Spirit [Rufa Lv.19]

Dark Spirit [Black Jade Lv.23]

■Talent Skills

[Body Techniques][Evasion][Way of the Sword]

[Code Deciphering]

■Movement and Actions

[☆Carry][Jump][☆Hover][☆Sky Soar]

■Production

[Alchemy Lv.22][Alchemy Synthesis Lv.27]

[Cooking Lv.25][Jewelry Lv.11]

■Other Production Skills

[☆Dull's Fingertip][☆Plant Growth]

■Gathering

[Harvesting][Mining]

■Appraisal and Concealment

[Appraisal Lv.33][Insight]

[Aura Detection Lv.36][Aura Dilution Lv.36][Concealment Lv.33]

■Enhancement

[Strength Enhancement Lv.7][Intelligence Enhancement Lv.9][Spirit Enhancement Lv.7]

[Dexterity Enhancement Lv.8][Agility Enhancement Lv.7]

[Swordsmanship Enhancement Lv.7][Magic Enhancement Lv.9]

■Resistance

[Alcohol Resistance][Pain Resistance]

■Other

[HP Natural Recovery][MP Natural Recovery]

[Dark Vision][Map][Telepathy][☆Bedroom Techniques]

[Equipment Change]

[Life Magic][☆Attraction]

[Theft Prevention Lv.24][Trap Disarming]

[Lockpicking][Unlocking