Chapter 23

Let's actually try making some tools! So, we came to a hardware store that Harry is familiar with.

Joren can be made by just slightly deforming a hoe. If you want, I can even make drainage holes. Please use a material that is rust-resistant and cheap.

I want you to improve the pole that goes over the shoulder for the balance. Also, the balance on both sides is important. A basket can be used instead of a sieve.

I'll show you how to make it with junk that's just going to be thrown away. I surprised them by making the soil malleable with earth magic. It seems they had only seen solid soil being produced.

"I've made bricks before, but to use magic like this..."

A person who could use earth magic in the hardware store was looking closely at the plate-like object I made. It's still too thin and the surface is rough, so it's not practical.

"Since it's about handling soil, I think you can produce mud, rocks, or sand."

By the way, I had a question about whether earth magic involves gathering soil from the ground or creating it from nothing. The answer was both. If there's soil outside, it can be drawn from there, and if there's no soil indoors, it can be created. Therefore, the process is more complex indoors, and it consumes more magical power.

"Can you make sand?"

"Hmm, theoretically, it should be possible."

I haven't actually made sand before. I gathered my strength in my palm and thought of sand, ... a desert, no, a sand dune would be easier to imagine. Smooth, sandy sand!

Rustle

Brown, dry sand spilled from my hand.

"Oops. Sorry, I made a mess."

"Ah, no, that's fine. Rather, where is this sand from? Is it red soil?"

The store owner ran his fingers through the spilled sand, looking curious. Ah, maybe black sand from a sandbox would have been better? I'm not sure about these things.

"If I can see the real thing, I might be able to make something similar."

"Can you make as much as you want?"

His eyes gleamed.

"Of course not. There are limits. Also, I don't know if it will have the same properties."

Looking at the store clerk who had made bricks before, he crossed his arms and said, "It depends on the person. Some people made things that were too fragile to use, and some things disappeared over time."

"I see."

Since there's no one teaching it, no one knows how much others can use. So, people refer to the magic of those nearby, which is why magic = phenomena that don't last. If you learn earth magic by watching fire magic, the earth magic might also disappear. Maybe?

"Alright, let's get back to the topic. Can you make this Joren?"

Harry brought the conversation back. The store owner nodded.

"No problem. I can make it from recycled iron, so the price should be reasonable. I'm not sure about the balance, but I'll try making it. How strong does it need to be?"

"It depends on the material. Hmm, a wheelbarrow might be more convenient."

Tilting my head, I muttered, "What's that?" and Harry grabbed my shoulder. Harry, being in charge of purchasing, is very interested in tools. I explained on paper that it's a human-powered cart like this.

"Wow. You push it instead of pulling it?"

"Can't you just use a regular square box?"

The store owner also showed interest. Well, hmm, I'm not sure. It's probably that size to transport things on narrow roads, but I don't know the logic behind the shape.

Let's just try making it.

After lunch, Harry and Harry went back to the guild for a while. They said they'd come back in the evening, so I stayed to explain.

Clang, clang, stretching the iron plate.

I wonder how advanced the iron-making and forging techniques are in this world. I don't know much about the techniques from my previous world, so I can't tell.

By the way, there's a 'Forging' skill. I wonder what it covers.

And then, the wheelbarrow that closely resembled my drawing was completed. Wow, that was fast! It's amazing that you could make it from my vague description of "something like this"!

Let's try it out.

The store owner held the handle and pushed it. I couldn't do it because of my height.

"Whoa~"

It moved smoothly on one wheel. The wheels are made of wood with frog leather wrapped around them. Shock absorption is important. When I let go, it stood on three points. It didn't wobble even when I pushed it with my hand.

Next, let's try loading something. I started with a block of iron.

"Light, light"

I kept adding things. When it became a mountain, it tipped over.

"Too much."

"Indeed. However, it's much easier than carrying things one by one. It's also very maneuverable. It will take some getting used to balancing, but this will sell!"

So, it was decided to sell it. It was quick.

The store owner and the clerk were discussing improvements and materials. Well, if it breaks easily, it could cause injuries. They checked the parts that would bear the load and considered what materials would be best. With the availability of fantasy materials, some interesting things could be made.

While they were discussing, the two from the guild arrived. They were amazed at the completed wheelbarrow. Harry added to the request form, and it was decided that the money for this would also be provided. Since there's no copyright or patent in this world, it's just the initial payment. Still, it's a decent income.

The completed Joren and others will be placed in the guild. It will be a rental service from the hardware store, including maintenance. It will be sublet, but considering preservation, it might be a good idea.

"Come back if you have any more interesting ideas," the store owner said cheerfully as he saw me off. I headed to the guild to report on the accepted request. I received the money in a cloth bag. The contents were gold coins. It might be the first time I've seen them.

Happy, I went to Harry. I wanted to buy armor.

A set of leather armor with a chest plate, gauntlets, and greaves.

I also asked if they had a magic bag. It's in the vault, they said. It costs 150 gold coins. It's a long way to go.

Which is more realistic: finding it in a dungeon or saving up gold coins?