Chapter 67

"It was quite a hassle... but is this the revenge we achieved?"

"Haa... Singing non-stop is tough, Quon-san."

"What, didn't it turn out to be a pretty good earning?"

Unfortunately, Lumin's level didn't go up, but still, we managed to gain a lot of experience.

There were a lot of enemies, but as the saying goes, many a little makes a mickle.

Moreover, if we could reach the nest, there would be some challenging opponents.

The battles were more tense than with the monkeys and bees we had gotten used to.

I looked around with a sense of satisfaction.

"But... we've taken down quite a few, haven't we?"

"Collecting all of this will be a hassle..."

"Both my and the teacher's inventories are getting crowded. If you have the time, Shepard, could you collect them for us?"

"Ah, with the leveling you've been doing, that's bound to happen. Got it, let's settle up in the capital."

Shepard chuckled at Fushimi's words and started collecting the materials from the surrounding ants.

For us, the materials from the ants weren't really useful, and to be honest, they were just a hassle to handle.

We were thinking that their carapaces could be used as materials for light armor, but neither Fushimi nor I wore armor.

Well, we had gauntlets, but it would be better to use Luke's materials for that.

While muttering this to myself, I was collecting materials from the Luke in front of me.

■【Material】Cluster Ant Carapace

Weight: 6

Rarity: 4

Effect: Corrosion Resistance

■【Material】Cluster Ant Mandibles

Weight: 3

Rarity: 5

Effect: Corrosion Resistance

The mandibles were unexpected, but as expected, we managed to obtain the carapace.

Moreover, they were quite large, so we managed to collect a decent amount.

Each one was quite large, and one might be enough to make armor for two people.

Even if we made gauntlets and greaves for Fushimi, me, and Lumin, there would still be plenty left.

We could either settle up or sell them as payment for new equipment. They wouldn't go to waste.

By the way, for the other higher-level type, the Knight—

■【Material】Cluster Ant Knight Leg Blades

Weight: 2

Rarity: 4

Effect: Corrosion Resistance

■【Material】Cluster Ant Knight Light Carapace

Weight: 2

Rarity: 4

Effect: Corrosion Resistance

It seems these are the blades on their legs and their carapace.

The characteristic is that both are very light. There is some concern about their strength, but considering their lightness, they should be quite useful.

I don't really see much benefit in using them, but I can have Fino and the others investigate that.

However, what exactly is this corrosion resistance effect?

If we take it at face value, it should be an effect that suppresses degradation due to corrosion, but what kind of effect would that have in the game?

After examining the new materials—suddenly, Shepard let out a strange voice.

"Huh!?"

"Huh, what's wrong, Shepard?"

"Well, this nest... it's a Mining Point."

Looking up, I saw Shepard pointing at the ant nest with a puzzled look.

It looked like a dome-shaped object rising from the ground.

Honestly, it didn't resemble any ant nest I had seen in daily life.

Well, it looked different, but ants were appearing from it, so it was definitely an ant nest.

What had happened to it, we wondered as we approached.

Shepard, who had turned to us, told us with a puzzled look.

"This nest is a Mining Point."

"Huh!? Wait a minute."

Fushimi's eyes widened at those words, and she quickly started operating her menu.

Peeking to see what she was doing, it seemed she was fiddling with her skills.

After switching some skills, Fushimi observed the ant nest again and exclaimed in surprise.

"Really... Teacher, this nest seems to be mineable."

"Mining? From an ant nest?"

"Yes. I'm not sure what we can mine, but it seems like we might get some rare items!"

Fushimi, looking excited, nodded while placing her hand on her chin, and I returned my gaze to the nest.

Indeed, it did have a somewhat rocky texture. It seemed like it could be mined with a pickaxe.

However, what could be mined from an ant nest? I had no knowledge or idea about that.

"Well, we'll find out if we try."

"Right. Teacher, do you have a pickaxe?"

"The one Fino gave me at first. It's been in storage all this time."

Until now, I had been going with the flow—rather, I had been so focused on the battles in front of me that I hadn't used Mining at all.

Even though it was a skill I had obtained randomly, I felt a bit foolish.

However, I had finally gotten the chance to use it. It wasn't a waste.

I also switched my skills and set Mining.

Then, the ant nest in front of me started to emit a faint light.

...No, it didn't seem to be illuminating the surroundings, so it might just be an illusion.

It seems this is the effect of Mining.

"Well, let's see what we can mine."

"After all the trouble we've gone through, I hope it's some good material."

After all, we couldn't mine calmly until we had wiped out all the ants.

To be honest, wiping out all the ants was quite a challenge.

Since we had gone through so much trouble, I hoped the materials would be worth it.

However, since I didn't really understand how Mining worked, it was just a vague wish.

The nest was quite large, maybe about 10 meters in diameter.

Because of its size, we could mine from three directions simultaneously.

Swinging the pickaxe, a hard sound was heard, and sparks flew.

It seems one swing wasn't enough, and after repeating it a few times, an item rolled out.

■【Material】Ant Acid Ore

Weight: 3

Rarity: 5

Effect: Corrosion

"Whoa... so this is how we get it. But what is this?"

"Ah, did you get it too, Teacher? This Ant Acid Ore!"

"Yes. But what is Ant Acid Ore?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure either. If we had someone with Appraisal, they could analyze it in detail... but if we take it to Fino, she can figure it out."

"But from the rarity, it seems to be a very rare ore. And from the name, it might only be obtainable from ant nests."

Nodding at their words, I agreed.

If it's an ore, Fino should be able to handle it. Moreover, it might be possible to make a new sword.

However, I'm a bit concerned about the corrosion effect.

But I don't think a weapon made from this ore would corrode immediately.

We went through so much trouble to get it, I hope it doesn't end in a laughable way.

"I think steel is rarity 3, Fushimi. So, we might be able to make a pretty strong weapon?"

"It's possible, but I think the effect of the corrosion resistance might have an impact. I've never heard of an ore having an effect attached to it."

"That means a new effect might be born in the weapon. Though I don't use metal weapons."

"Corrosion... it doesn't sound very strong."

Fushimi, tilting her head, seemed interested in the new sword.

Indeed, new weapons are always exciting.

However, if the blacksmith's skills aren't up to par, it can be disappointing.

Currently, Fino's work is satisfactory. If we give her this, she should be able to make a good sword.

(But, it's still not in the realm of a legendary sword.)

Lightly touching Fino's sword at my waist, I muttered to myself.

Her swords are good enough as mass-produced weapons.

I used to use swords of similar quality, so I'm quite used to them.

But I know the existence of masterpieces by great craftsmen, truly legendary swords.

Compared to those, this is still lacking... though comparing it to those might be a bit unfair to her.

"Your Mining skill level has increased."

While mining the ore, the Mining skill level increased interestingly.

However, it's not always the case that Ant Acid Ore appears.

Sometimes it's iron ore, and at worst, just a pebble.

The probability is quite strict. Considering that everyone got it at first, it might have been guaranteed only the first time.

As we repeated this, the faint light from the ant nest eventually disappeared completely.

"Ah, the Mining Point is over. The number is a bit disappointing, though."

"I thought we got a decent amount, but is it not enough?"

"To make a weapon, we need to smelt the ore first. At that point, the number decreases significantly... and with Fino's skills, failure is unlikely, but we don't have enough to fail."

"...Even Fino might find it difficult to succeed with this rarity of ore."

"I trust Fino's skills. But I can't deny that it's not a sure thing."

It seems that with high-rarity ores, there's a possibility of failure in making weapons.

I don't want to lose the materials we worked so hard to get.

Therefore—

"Alright. Then, let's do it one more time."

"Yes, Father. I'll do my best in the battle!"

"Huh? No, no, no... Teacher? You mean, again with the ants?"

"Seriously...?"

Shepard, sighing in exasperation, and Fushimi, with a strained expression.

Indeed, it was a tough battle, but we've only done it once. I wish Lumin would take a cue from her.

Moreover, fighting only monkeys would be boring. The battles with the ants are more tense.

The rewards are also greater, so there's no reason not to target them.

"Let's take a short break and then look for the next ant. After we take care of it, we'll call it a day. Make sure to recover."

"Okay... You are tough in battle, though."

Smirking at Fushimi's half-lidded eyes, I shrugged.

The fatigue from battle is more about density than time.

In this case, the only battle that was tense was the last one with the higher-level type.

There's no way we're fatigued from that.

"A break should do it. Our goal is to get enough for our three swords."

"I understand... I want a new sword too."

Well, no matter what, Fushimi has the same nature as me.

If a new weapon is available, she can't help but be interested.

Smiling wryly at her, I started thinking about the next battle.