Chapter 17

And thus, we concluded our dungeon exploration peacefully.

I was also concerned about the state of the fields, so although it was a bit regretful, I decided to take my leave here.

"The materials from the monsters we defeated are too much to carry all at once. I’ll take back only the meat and the fast-moving ones, and could you store the rest for me?"

Plati was remarkably efficient.

It seemed that during the dungeon conquest, she had used various attack magic potions, and after defeating the monsters, she had considered how to carry back the materials.

She used the explosion magic potion to blow away the monsters that were of no use.

She froze and preserved the monsters with delicious meat using the freezing magic potion.

Furthermore, she paralyzed the rare monsters with valuable materials using the electric shock, rendering them immobile but alive.

What a thorough lady she is.

"Since you’re here, take this with you as well."

The teacher handed me something.

It looked like a metallic lump...

"This is Mana Metal!? To receive such a valuable item!?"

Plati was surprised and overjoyed.

It’s like a kind old grandpa giving us a lot of souvenirs on our way back, isn’t it, teacher?

"Mana Metal is produced in abundance in my dungeon. If you run out, feel free to come back for more."

The teacher was quite generous.

... Oh, right.

Speaking of taking things back...

"Teacher, I’ll return this holy sword. It originally belonged here..."

I offered the holy sword that was still in my possession.

"No, that sword has recognized you as its wielder. Therefore, you are the rightful owner."

The teacher seemed to be saying, "Please take it," but that was out of the question.

For me, aiming for a leisurely life in this different world, a holy sword is just an unnecessary burden.

Moreover, I was afraid that having such an item might lead to me being recognized as the hero who can defeat the demon king.

"That’s why I want to leave the holy sword here in the dungeon."

"Hmm... If that’s the case, I’ll keep it for you."

The teacher took the holy sword, looking a bit disappointed.

However...

"?"

"What!?"

Something strange happened.

The hilt of the holy sword stuck to my hand like a suction cup and wouldn’t let go.

"Grgh...! No! It won’t come off!?"

What stubbornness!?

Does this holy sword really have a will of its own and refuse to leave me!?

"Indeed, you have been recognized by the holy sword. It is meant to be with you."

"Keep it, it’s fine. If it’s that good, it might come in handy someday."

Plati said this as if it were none of her business.

... Well, I guess there’s no choice.

I received a sheath from the teacher and decided to wear it on my waist.

Thus, we were seen off by the teacher and left the dungeon.

* * * * *

"Phew, it was a good outcome."

Back home, Plati was in high spirits.

"I never imagined we’d become friends with the dungeon master! It’s all thanks to you, sir! You’re just as I expected!!"

It felt both pleasant and embarrassing to hear that.

I wanted to immediately process the monster corpses we brought back, but I didn’t have the necessary tools.

... Then I remembered the holy sword.

Damn, it’s already proving useful...

"We brought back one lizard-type and one snake-type monster..."

Both seemed to have useful skin, but the meat was too gamey to eat.

I didn’t have the skills to tan the skin, but Plati said she could do it with her magic potions.

"Still, there aren’t many edible monsters in cave-type dungeons, huh?"

"Are there other types of dungeons?"

"Of course. Mainly cave, mountain, and ruin types. The mountain type has the most edible monsters."

I see.

"Square Boar, Kirisaki Deer, and various bird types. They’re all species that mermaids like me have no connection with, so I’ve always dreamed of eating them..."

Plati had a dreamy expression.

One of the monster names she mentioned caught my attention.

"Square Boar..."

Square boar?

It reminded me of the horned boar I encountered in the mountains. It had horns on its head and four tusks extending from its mouth, forming a square when connected.

"Well, whatever...!"

Right now, it’s more important to organize what we brought back from the teacher’s dungeon.

As for the rest of the items...

"By the way, what’s this for?"

I took out the metallic lump.

It was the Mana Metal the teacher gave us as a souvenir just before we left.

Plati was overjoyed when she saw it, but I couldn’t understand what was so special about it.

"Are you kidding! This is an extremely valuable metal!!"

According to Plati, Mana Metal is a metal formed by the condensation of mana, just like monsters.

While the majority of condensed mana forms monsters, it occasionally crystallizes into Mana Metal under certain rare conditions.

In dungeons, which are mana reservoirs, Mana Metal is only produced in cave-type dungeons.

If the mountain dungeon is known for its edible monsters, then the cave dungeon’s main attraction is the Mana Metal.

It’s hard, light, and can be used for various purposes.

Since it’s made of mana, it works well with magic and is also called "magic metal."

"Like mithril, I guess..."

I nodded in agreement.

"With this much Mana Metal, how many swords could be made? A Mana Metal sword, depending on the blacksmith’s skill, is worth at least ten gold coins per sword!"

That’s about the same as the price of the land we bought.

I see, that’s quite a valuable item.

I’ve always wanted various metal products, so getting the materials now is good timing.

"Alright."

I made up my mind.

I decided to start making metal items.