Chapter 32

It had been two days since we started exterminating Arrowclaws on Ars Island.

I myself had defeated some Arrowclaws, but I also confirmed the geography of Ars Island and Tiars Island, cleaned the government office with slimes, and advanced various tasks concurrently.

As a result, I realized that there was really nothing on this Ars Island.

It was inevitable that there were no ancient books or treasures, but there were no usable weapons or tools left either.

A small vegetable garden was completely overgrown with weeds.

If I had to mention something, it was the water from the tap.

Thanks to the sacred tree, it had restorative properties and could be sold as holy water, like in the temple.

It wouldn't fetch as much as a potion, but it could be sold for about five copper coins, which is about the same price as a meal at a common restaurant in the capital. I might try selling some bottled water in Roburion.

In the midst of this, Selena entered the office with high spirits.

"Your Highness! We have confirmed that we have successfully driven the Arrowclaws out of the island for now!"

"Already? That was quick."

In these two days, we managed to hunt nearly a hundred Arrowclaws.

We ate some of the meat ourselves, sold the rest in the capital and Roburion, and used the feathers and beaks as materials for bolts.

The money from selling the meat alone was substantial.

It was enough to support everyone here for three months.

"Everyone really did a great job. We made a decent amount of money. We should be fine for a few months... but..."

The Arrowclaws will likely come to this island from the continent for a while. But eventually, they will fear this island.

However, other monsters might come...

"We can't rely solely on the blacksmiths in Roburion and the holy water. We need to think of other industries... Maybe fishing would be good for this island."

"That's a good idea, but with our small bodies, handling fishing nets and launching boats might be a bit difficult," Selena said.

As Selena pointed out, the small bodies of the mousemen and slimes make fishing unsuitable. Aquaculture might be safer.

Besides, when it comes to the sea, making salt pans might be an option.

We could start both experimentally, but it would be hard to make a significant income from them.

Even if we were to start a farm, most of Ars Island is covered in sand and stone, so we couldn't build a large one.

It seems we would need to go to the continent to establish any industry.

"Selena... Is there a place nearby where we can mine magic ores?"

"This land was famous for its abundant magic ores. I have one place in mind."

"Really?"

"Yes. There is a secret passage underground on Ars Island that connects to the continent. It is said to lead to the nearest magic ore mine."

Ars Island is surrounded by the sea on all sides.

While it is suitable for defense, if the sea is blockaded, we won't be able to leave the island.

This secret passage must be an escape route. It was likely used for fleeing and to obtain the important resource of magic ores.

Selena continued, "The governor and residents of Tiars Province on Ars Island used this passage to escape... I remember that much. I supported their evacuation with my subordinates."

"I see. Should we go and check it out?"

"Yes. I will guide you. If the seawater hasn't leaked in, it should still be usable. There might be Guardians there, but they should follow my orders as the commander of the legion."

"I see. It would be a great help if we could ally with them."

Not only for the defense of Ars Island, but also for the recapture of the continent. Guardians don't die unless their core is destroyed.

Magic ores are truly valuable.

Depending on the type of ore and the manufacturing process, some metals can be traded for the same amount of gold.

"Alright, then let's check out that underground passage tomorrow."

The next morning, we decided to head to the underground passage of Ars Island.