Chapter 25

Unable to find a solution to the missing person problem, I decided to leave it alone. Thinking about it too much might lead me down a rabbit hole, and there are still things I need to do right now.

……

From the outside, it just looks like a pile of rocks.

It doesn’t look like a house at all, but the inside is far beyond what I imagined. I’m especially satisfied with the ceiling. I tried to process it to resemble exposed concrete. Since the rock is a slightly darker gray, it has a cool interior design.

As the rooms started to take shape, the natural glow of the rocks became more noticeable.

While the glow from the ceiling alone wasn’t a problem, the entire room was glowing. The faint light wasn’t too much of a hindrance at night, so I put it off. However, one night when I got up to use the toilet, I saw Shion illuminated by the faint light and screamed.

…The faint light only made it more terrifying.

The next day, I tried various methods to eliminate the glow.

The idea of turning off a light bulb on Earth was helpful.

After much consideration, I found a surprisingly simple solution.

First, I eliminated the glow from the floor.

Then, I did the same for the walls, leaving only the ceiling.

The glow can be adjusted in intensity, but fine-tuning is difficult, so I gave up for now.

……

A grand mansion with two underground floors and four above-ground floors (still under construction).

But I can’t help but smile.

The cracks on the second underground floor were processed into an arch shape so that the Cores could pass through.

I combined two spaces into one, turning it into a large space for minerals and mineral processing.

I tried to remove the golden ore with instant teleportation, but it didn’t work because the ore was resistant to magic.

I had no choice but to cut it into smaller pieces and move it.

However, I discovered that the ore was extremely hard.

The rock-cutting magic only scratched it.

While thinking about how to cut it, I remembered a diamond cutter I saw on TV.

Despite my apprehension, I tried it, and it cut beautifully.

The sharpness was so impressive that I was a bit scared.

But, once the ore was cut into smaller pieces, it could be teleported.

I found out that the golden ore is the hardest among the rocks and minerals I know, and it is also the most resistant to magic.

The first underground floor is for food storage.

The Cores bring back many prey.

My butchering skills have naturally improved.

I can’t look at the internal organs, but it’s not a problem.

I can now skin the prey with a rock knife.

During the butchering process, I feel like an adventurer.

However, the rock knife cut better than I expected.

Handling the knife was surprisingly difficult, and I had to rely on healing magic multiple times.

I’m glad I didn’t lose any fingers.

However, I still can’t process the skin.

I’ve burned all my failed attempts.

It’s a waste, so I want to find a way to do it.

……

The first underground floor originally had four spaces.

I connected all the walls to create a large space.

To create a storage room, I experimented with magic.

This is where I discovered a new processing method.

I succeeded in spreading my magic throughout the rock and shaping it like clay.

However, the Cores briefly threatened the rock.

They haven’t reacted since, but I don’t know what they were trying to do.

…Maybe they were scared when the rock suddenly rose from the floor?

If that’s the case, I’m sorry.

Through room processing, I’ve gained a sensory understanding of magic.

I think it’s a significant improvement from being a complete novice.

However, it requires a lot of concentration and is tiring, so I can’t work for long periods.

Still, I worked hard!

Five rooms are now complete.

The entrance is arch-shaped and large enough for the Cores to enter and exit.

It’s a shame I couldn’t make a door.

I tried, but it was impossible.

The first to fourth floors are still only processed for the ceiling, walls, and floor.

I worked hard during the breaks from using the千里眼 (千里眼 means "千里 eye" or "long-distance eye," which is a term for a drone or similar device).

Even if this world is empty of people, I can still survive!

I wonder if there are any animals that can talk?