CH 85

Wood

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I was led by Silphy to the peak of the Spirit Tree, surrounded by its pleasant fragrance, and fully enjoyed a forest bath. Afterwards, we set up a table in the shade of the Spirit Tree and had our lunch. It feels much more comfortable when there’s a large shady spot to live in.

“Sara and Marco, based on yesterday’s practice, train with Fukuchan and Uri. If you have any questions, come and ask. Then, take a nap. We’ll have another practical session tonight, so make sure to get a good rest.”

I watched Sara and the others run off, filled with determination. Perhaps I’m being a bit too hands-off? But there’s not much to teach them, and I find it more efficient to focus on my own tasks. It’s a bit puzzling whether I should be by their side or not.

“Yuta, would you like me to stay with the children?” Dolly offered, seemingly understanding my thoughts.

“It would be helpful if you could watch over them, but is that okay?”

“I don’t mind. After all, I made a contract with you, Yuta. I’ll asonee-chant you.”

With a smile on her face, she kindly took up the responsibility. It’s quite comforting.

“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”

“Of course,” Dolly said and flew off to where Sara and the others were. With Dolly around, there shouldn’t be any danger.

“Now, Bell and the others will take care of managing the field and the planned forest area.”

Speaking of which, I also obtained tomato seedlings. I should plant them later. It would be nice to have Sara and the others join me in some farm work. They’re busy with training now, so maybe next time.

But come to think of it, I was able to store the tomato seedlings normally, but… How much can plants be stored? I should experiment with it sometime.

“Yes!” “Kyukyu!” “We’ll do our best at the land preparation!” “Kuu!”

I bid farewell to Bell and the others as they enthusiastically went about their work… Should I let Dolly help with the forested area too? Since I created that area with fabricated soil, rapid growth might be risky. Nomos mentioned that he would mix the soil for me after the contract, so I’ll focus on growth later.

“Yuta-chan, I’ll help too!”

Dyne declared enthusiastically. Hmm, was there any work for her? I already asked Dolly to accompany Sara and the others, so it feels awkward if there’s nothing for Dyne to do.

“Well, then, can you accompany Bell and the others? I think Rain will water the plants, so give them some advice.”

“Understood. I’ll supervise them properly, so don’t worry.”

“Okay, I’m counting on you.”

Having just formed a contract, both Dyne and Dolly seem quite enthusiastic. It must be enjoyable for them to have some freedom in using their powers.

“What are you going to do now, Yuta? Clearing land?”

“Hmm? Before clearing the land, I’m thinking of processing the wood. I’ll prepare a place to dry the wood and remove the branches. By the way, can Silphy’s power be used to dry the wood?”

“If I blow hot air, it will speed up the drying process, but it’s faster to have Dyne remove the moisture for you.”

Oh, it’s definitely convenient to have the moisture removed. It dries up nicely.

“Well then, we don’t need a specific place for drying. Let’s just trim the branches and get them into a dry state.”

Dried branches can be used as fuel, but since I’ve stocked up on charcoal and found other uses for them, should I use them for something else? I heard on TV that if you dig a hole, put leaves in it, and water it, it becomes good fertilizer, but I’ve also collected plenty of leaf mold from the forest, so I don’t know what to do with it.

I guess I’ve become a bit of a penny-pincher, or maybe I’m just afraid that if I run out of driftwood, my fuel will run out too, so I can’t easily throw away branches and such. I’ll dry them out for now and keep them for firewood.

“Yeah, I remember we thinned out quite a bit. I’ll help too, so let’s get it done quickly.”

“Sure, I appreciate it.”

We take out all the thinned living wood… I didn’t really feel it because I was moving around and thinning them out little by little, but seeing them all at once, it’s a huge amount.

If I were to build a house with these, it would be better to use the same type of wood as much as possible. Dolly and Tamamo should be able to determine which type of wood is suitable for building a house.

I take out my magic saw and swiftly cut off the branches. It’s an amazing tool. I finish processing the first one easily without any trouble. At this pace, it won’t take that long. As I think that, I look towards Silphy…

Numerous trees are floating in the air, and branches are being cut off quickly. It’s nice to finish easily, but, how should I put it, my cheat skill, the pioneering tool, is overshadowed.

I can’t lose! I ignite a pointless sense of rivalry and vigorously cut off the branches with the saw.

…I’m exhausted. I’m completely exhausted.

“Yuta, why are you so tired?”

Well, you see, even though I worked so hard with a pointless sense of rivalry, Silphy finished the job about twice as quickly as me. I feel like even my magic saw is wilted.

I see. Even my cheat doesn’t compare to real cheats, huh? I’m sorry. If only I could use it more skillfully…

“What are you mumbling about? Is something wrong?”

Silphy asks me with a worried look. This is how people unintentionally hurt others. Talents are frightening.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just pushed myself a bit too hard. Thanks for helping.”

“Really? Take it easy, okay?”

“Yeah, thanks. I’m fine now. I’ll leave the wood here, and Dyne can remove the moisture later. Next, we’ll continue exploring.”

After resting for a while, Silphy expressed her concern, but it’s just mental fatigue, so it’s not a problem. In fact, I feel like moving my body. I check on Sara and Bell and head towards the planned settlement area.

—————–

“Dyne, can you extract the moisture from the wood placed over there?”

After finishing the planned area for development, I called Dyne. By the way, Sara and the others are napping, while Bell is playing on the newly grown spirit tree.

According to Bell, it seems to be a lot of fun because they can go “boing” and “squeeze.” I’m not sure what “boing” and “squeeze” mean, though.

“Hehe, for onee-chan, it’s easy-peasy!”

Dyne confidently declares. Since it seems easy, I’ll ask for her help.

“That would be great. Please extract the moisture from the wood without causing it to deteriorate.”

“Understood!” Dyne says with a smile, then she hums a tune as she approaches the wood. Dyne can create ice and remove moisture from the wood; she’s quite skilled when it comes to handling water. It’s a shame that her whimsical and childish personality hides her dignity as a great spirit.

“Ei!”

As Dyne calls out, a mist of steam rises from the wood.

“Pheeew! Yuta, it’s done!”

Dyne wipes her sweat with her arm, letting me know that the drying is complete. Hmm, do spirits actually sweat? Where did she learn that gesture from? I have so many questions.

“Thank you. You’ve been a great help.”

“Just leave it to onee-chan. Hehehe.”

Looking at Dyne’s triumphant expression, I can’t help but wonder where the Dyne I first met went.

For now, I gather the wood into my magic bag. When I touch it, it indeed feels completely dried out. However, what should I do with the twisted and bent pieces? I’m not sure how to make use of them.

Hmm… since my magic bag has infinite capacity, I’ll store them for now. They’ll probably come in handy someday. Maybe.

After collecting everything, I stretch my back. Hmm, I have some time until dinner. I have some flexibility, so instead of something pre-made, how about having dragon steak?

I’d love to go straight for a Fire dragon, but let’s start with an Assault dragon for now. According to Marie’s description, it’s a super-premium meat, so it should be delicious. Fire dragons are supposed to be even tastier, but I like saving the best for last.

“Hey, Silphy, Dyne. I’m thinking of having Assault dragon steak tonight. Would you like to join?”

“Come to think of it, you brought back just the meat in advance, didn’t you? I’ll have some,” Silphy says.

“Onee-chan will have some too. Will there be alcohol tonight?” Dyne asks.

Oh, right. I promised to serve alcohol once the contract with Dolly is finished.

“I’ll serve alcohol, but after we level up Sarah and the others. For dinner, how about dragon steak, bread, and salad?”

“Hmm, how about only red wine then?”

Ah, even Dyne is using those puppy eyes to ask. Where did she learn such a technique?

“Just one glass is fine.”

“Hehe, thank you, Yuuta. Onee-chan is really happy.”

Dyne and Silphy are rejoicing together. Is one glass of red wine more exciting than dragon steak? I feel like I could buy so many barrels of wine with dragon steak, though.

With a somewhat dissatisfied feeling, I start preparing dinner. First, I bring out the grill and lay down twigs and charcoal, placing the grill on top. I use a spark from my life magic to light the twigs and call Bell.

“Yuta, what can I do for you?”

“I want you to blow gently on this charcoal and kindle the fire. Can you do it?”

“I can do it!”

Confidently declaring so, Bell moves in front of the grill and starts blowing air with a serious expression. It seems like she has a firm grasp of what needs to be done. The right amount of air is delivered to the charcoal, and the fire spreads from the twigs to the charcoal. She’s doing a perfect job.

“Silphy, speaking of which, what about the fire spirit? Do they need the fire to be constantly lit to stay here?”

“Well, as it is now, it’s difficult. There’s a possibility that they could manage if they make a contract, but I still think the Land of Death would be harsh. Once we’ve prepared a comfortable living environment, we can bring them here.”

Hmm, I see. It still feels strange that even though the four elemental attributes exist in the earth, water, wind, and fire, I haven’t made a contract with the fire spirit yet.

“I’ll think of something. When the time comes, I’ll count on you.”

“Understood.”

Now, it’s about time to start cooking. Oh, it seems like Sara and the others have woken up. Oh, by the way, is dragon steak okay for breakfast? I’m fine with it, and Marco should be too, but I should ask Sarah and Kika just in case.

After all, I want to enjoy the dragon steak to the fullest.