Chapter 5

The next morning, in the quiet before anyone else had woken up, I began preparing for the hunt.

My purse contained 4,000 rupies, and after paying for dinner and lodging, it was nearly empty.

What if I don’t earn anything today?

I was tense as I faced this fateful morning. If it comes to it, I can sell the three magic stones I’ve collected. I know this in my head. Each one should be worth at least fifty silver coins. I can regroup and try again. In that case, excluding today, I would have four more days to meet the request deadline. It’s not impossible.

I took a deep breath and checked my inventory. All my possessions fit into a wooden, leather-bound trunk about the size of half a coffin. It contained a full set of armor, two swords including a spare, a change of clothes, a camping set, and a basic alchemy kit.

I’ve always enjoyed alchemy, and it’s been one of my hobbies since I was a child. The novel "Another World Summoning Story" contains several recipes that have been lost in the modern world, and these have become my treasures. Incidentally, both the healing potions and antidotes I use are homemade. If I had expensive materials, I could make high-value potions and make a decent profit, but I don’t have the funds right now.

In a hidden pocket of the trunk, there’s a secret notebook. It’s a personal, confidential document where I’ve meticulously noted down various pieces of information from "Another World Summoning Story." Carrying all thirty volumes around is impractical, so I’ve written down the content I find necessary. Of course, this includes secret recipes, which would be disastrous if stolen. Therefore, it’s a thick book with a lock and magical protection. The magic was cast by my sister. If someone tries to force it open, the contents will disappear. The key is the trace amount of magic I emit from my palm. I don’t know the specifics of the mechanism, but my sister probably designed it so she can open it herself. That’s fine with me.

After replenishing the magic in my sword, I had one and a half magic stones left. I can replenish my magic about two more times. I still have six "Blinding Fragrances" left, and plenty of healing potions.

Although I’m a bit worried about the magic stones, I have more leeway than I thought. I must have been particularly flustered yesterday.

"Bringing back a leg should do it. Today, for sure."

To do that, I need to boost my stamina. For that, I need an energy potion. If I have energy grass, I should be able to make it with the materials I have.

When I went to the tool shop, the owner said, "It grows around here, so feel free to take it." Apparently, it grows wild on the back mountain. Since there’s no magic guild, adventurers just help themselves.

Following his advice, I collected a good amount of energy grass, returned to the inn, and immediately started the alchemy process.

The resulting yellow extract looked quite toxic. It tingles when you taste it, but honestly, it smells like a poultice. I added honey to make it sweeter.

After pouring the finished liquid into my canteen, I finished my breakfast, borrowed a cart from the guild, and set off for the labyrinth.