Chapter 39

"What is this? I'm amazed."

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After that, Node asked Elyseo what kind of items could be created and explained how valuable those magical tools were. Elyseo was undoubtedly a genius, but he didn't understand how exceptional his abilities were or how valuable his creations—those magical tools—were.

Even after Node explained this to Elyseo,

"Is that really the case...?"

Elyseo still seemed skeptical. Upon hearing this, it turned out that Elyseo had lost his parents at an early age and was raised by his grandfather. His grandfather also passed away not long after Elyseo entered the magic academy. This meant that Elyseo was completely alone in the world. Moreover, Elyseo had entered the magic academy at the tender age of twelve. Despite his overflowing talent, he was a child who knew very little about the world.

"Many adventurers would love to have a connection with an excellent magician, especially one who can create magical tools. If you offer a magical tool as a reward for gathering materials, there would be plenty of adventurers willing to do it for free."

"Eh! Really!?"

Ignorance is a sin. Node couldn't remember when he first heard this phrase, but Elyseo's situation was close to it. It was dangerously precarious.

"Then, I'll go and make a request right now!" Elyseo was about to rush to the adventurer's guild, but Node stopped him.

Magical tools, especially those related to combat, are generally expensive. Moreover, opportunities to obtain them are extremely rare. For magical tools that are used in daily life, merchants can purchase them from the alchemy guild by paying a corresponding amount of money. However, items like magic scrolls and wands, which contain magical power, are not something that their creators, the mages, would easily sell.

This is because, for those who practice magic, magical tools are a means of allowing others to use the knowledge and skills they have kept secret. Mages take pride in their ability to use magic. Most mages, except for a few exceptions, are chosen individuals who show a high aptitude for handling magic from birth and have undergone rigorous training to become magicians. Each of them is a 'genius' who, due to their talent, firmly believes they are superior to those who cannot use magic.

For them, magical tools, which allow anyone to use magic artificially, are not only a testament to their high magical skills but also a threat to their sense of superiority—the belief that mages are chosen beings. Therefore, mages strongly dislike the idea of magical tools being freely traded for money, as it feels like their 'pride' is being bought with money.

The alchemy guild, which actively sells magical tools and potions to the public, is considered a heretical organization among mages. Ordinary mages affiliated with the magic guild only do business with those they approve of—high-ranking adventurers through connections or nobles. This is why combat-related magical tools are very expensive and rare, with limited means of acquisition.

If Elyseo were to go to the adventurer's guild and make a request, it would likely be accepted immediately due to its profitability. However, the problem would arise afterward. No matter which adventurer took on the job, adventurers are generally loose-lipped. After a few drinks, they would proudly boast about obtaining a magical tool as part of their heroic tales. This would quickly make Elyseo a topic of conversation, and he would become known as a young magician who creates excellent magical tools.

If that were to happen, inexperienced adventurers and greedy merchants would swarm to him, demanding that he create magical tools. His research would be disrupted. In the worst case, Elyseo might be kidnapped and imprisoned somewhere to be forced to create magical tools for profit.

When Node explained this possibility to Elyseo, Elyseo finally seemed to realize the value of what he was creating.

"Then, what should I do?"

"Let me confirm, Elyseo, are you affiliated with any guild?"

"No... I'm not affiliated with any guild."

Elyseo's face, which was usually neutral, turned pale as he answered Node. Node gently placed a hand on Elyseo's shoulder and had him sit down in a chair. Sitting down, Elyseo, who was already short, looked even smaller.

There are various guilds in the world, not just in the Kingdom of Hamil. Node's adventurer's guild, the mage's guild, and the alchemy guild are just a few examples. There are also stonemason guilds, fishing guilds, blacksmith guilds, merchant guilds, and even bread oven guilds and inn guilds. These guilds serve as mutual aid organizations for their members and protect their interests from outside interference. While guild members are bound by guild rules and must pay guild fees, they are also protected by the guild.

"Since you're not affiliated with any guild, it means no one will protect you..."

"I'm sorry..."

"No, don't apologize."

Elyseo was from a village in the direct jurisdiction of the capital. His parents and grandparents were farmers and not affiliated with any guild, so Elyseo never learned about guilds before they passed away.

"Given that, it would be difficult to make a request through a guild without revealing your name... Elyseo, do you know any adventurers?"

"No, I don't. Node is the first."

"I see..."

When Node asked if there was anyone he trusted, Elyseo's answer was still no. After hearing this, Node made a proposal to Elyseo.

"Elyseo, if you don't mind, would you like me to introduce you to a trustworthy adventurer?"

§

"Please, I beg of you!"

In response to Node's proposal, Elyseo nodded desperately. Clinging to Node's hand with a pleading look, Elyseo seemed like a puppy about to be abandoned. Seeing this, Node felt a bit guilty for having scared Elyseo a little too much, even if it was to raise his awareness.

A few days later, after promising to introduce a trustworthy adventurer, Node left Elyseo's house. The sun had set further during their conversation, and it was already getting dark by the time they returned to the carriage. As Node climbed onto the driver's seat, Neut, who had been left waiting, let out a small protest from the back of the carriage.

"I'm sorry, I had a bit more to do."

"Meow..."

"Oh, you troublesome thing, let's go already."

"Meow."

Node, who had forgotten about leaving Neut behind in the excitement of meeting Elyseo, spoke apologetically to Neut in the back. However, to cheer up the still sulking Neut, he had to reach into the back of the carriage and pet his head. Despite the rough handling, after petting Neut from head to nose and under the chin, Neut's mood seemed to improve, and the sounds from the back of the carriage returned to normal.

The errand from the teacher could be delivered the next day, so Node got into the carriage and headed to the adventurer's guild. The carriage drove through the capital's streets, which were transitioning from evening to night. By the time Node arrived at the adventurer's guild, the city was already shrouded in darkness, and the windows of the surrounding buildings were leaking light.

"Sorry, but can you wait a bit longer?"

Node told Neut to wait in the back of the carriage again and entered the adventurer's guild building. As soon as he stepped inside, the noise level increased dramatically. Feeling the effects of the Silence spell he had experienced at the magic academy, Node made his way deeper into the building. Passing by the closed counter, he headed to the bar, where off-duty adventurers were gathered.

"Hey, miss, another beer over here!"

"More firewine for me!"

"Got it, two beers and firewine for 'over here' coming up!"

"Ah, herb-roasted pork, please."

"Vegetable stew," "Fried water fish," "Sweet and sour rainbow bird."

"Hey! You're making it confusing! One at a time!"

The adventurers, emboldened by alcohol, were ordering their favorite drinks and dishes one after another, enjoying the fact that they were still alive today. The barmaids were quickly handling the orders, and the kitchen was continuously delivering plates of food and glasses of drinks to the tables.

"Here you go, wait!"

"Thanks, we've been waiting!"

The adventurers were eating, drinking, and making noise as they pleased. This was the end of their day. In the midst of this, Node found the person he was looking for.

"Genius!"

"Huh? Oh, Node! Hey, come over here!"

It was Genius, a young adventurer with blond hair like Node. Hearing his name called in the noisy bar, Genius realized it was Node. Waving his drink, he invited Node to his table. Node weaved through the bar and approached Genius.

"Hey, Node, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, it has been."

"Long time no see, Node."

"You look well, that's good to hear."

"Everyone's been a while, can I borrow Genius for a moment?"

Node's presence was noticed by Genius's companions, who greeted him one by one. The slurred speech belonged to Almina, the archer. She had her long black hair tied back in a ponytail and wore a flexible monster material bodysuit. She was already quite drunk, her eyes unfocused. Supporting Almina was Shino, the scout. A handsome man with shoulder-length blond hair like Node and Genius, he was a jack-of-all-trades who served as a middle guard. He also wore the same material as Almina. The one who greeted him next was Riesz, a healer who wore the robes of a priestess of the light spirit she worshipped. Surprisingly, she was quite strong with alcohol, and several empty glasses were already in front of her. The last to speak was Geigos, the spearman. A man with short black hair, he was the oldest among them, wearing metal armor and placing his helmet beside him.

Node and Genius's group had fought together when they were both starting out as adventurers. Node had adventured with them a few more times since then, and they were both friends and rivals.

"Me? Got it. Should we go somewhere else?"

"Yeah, I parked the carriage outside, let's talk there."

Despite being in the middle of a party, Genius and his group readily agreed to Node's request. Node thanked them and left the bar. As they walked to the carriage, they continued their conversation.

"You seem to be doing well. Everyone's equipment looks better."

"Yeah! Thanks. Node, that's a new armor, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I fought a general spider in the summer."

"Wow, so it's a spider armor. I thought it was metal."

"Yeah, it's light and durable, so it's very useful."

"What about Genius's?"

Not only his companions, but Genius's armor had also been replaced with a new one. Unable to tell what material it was made of, Node asked Genius.

"This? It's made from a double-headed water turtle."

"Hmm? I think that monster..."

"Yeah, that's right."

Genius nodded in agreement with Node's words and pulled out his guild card from his chest. The guild card reflected the light from the building and showed a red metallic shine.

"You've been promoted to brass rank..."

"Yeah, just recently. And today, I just received this new equipment."

"So, you're celebrating now. I'm sorry to interrupt."

"It's fine, don't worry about it! So, what's up?"

Node was still registered as an adventurer with the adventurer's guild, but his activities had slowed down. Being part of the Iron Dragon Knights was inevitable, but he had been surpassed by Genius. When they reached the carriage, Genius prompted Node to get to the point. Node, after confirming that no one was around, began to speak.

"Take a look at this."

"What is this? A dagger... no, it looks like a stone?"

"It's a magic sword."

"A magical tool! Nice find..."

Node took out the magic sword he received from Elyseo and handed it to Genius. Genius held it up to the light from the window to examine it. The blade reflected the light, showing a wet, red glow. Genius was genuinely envious when he realized that the dagger-like object with a stone-like texture was a magical tool. Combat-related magical tools are almost impossible to obtain through normal means. However, if you could get one, it could be a trump card in a pinch. A magic scroll kept as a trump card saving a party of adventurers in a crisis is a common theme in adventure tales.

"If I told you I could introduce you to the magician who made this, what would you say?"

"Really!? Please, introduce me!"

What's the catch, Genius asked, almost eagerly. Node took back the magic sword and put it away while starting to tell Elyseo's story.

"...So, he's very talented but also very reckless."

"Wow. Are all magicians like that?"

"Who knows. I don't have other acquaintances to compare with. You could ask the 'Morning Star.'"

"The 'Morning Star' is the name of a certain adventurer's party. They are gold-ranked adventurers based in the capital's adventurer's guild and are known for having a magician in their party. They have many adventure tales and are rumored to be close to becoming saint silver-ranked adventurers.

"Those guys, I'm curious, but I've only seen them briefly before. I don't have the courage to talk to them."

"Neither have I."

"Well, that's fine. So, you're saying this magician will give us a direct request, right?"

"That's right."

"What's the request?"

Genius's expression changed from the friendly one he showed to a friend to the serious one of a party leader. His sharp gaze was that of someone who had experienced many negotiations with the seasoned staff of the adventurer's guild and shrewd merchants. Node saw his friend's growth in unexpected ways, not just in his adventures.

"The request is to collect the tears of a fire spirit in a volcanic area. The amount needed will be discussed with the client. The reward, as far as I know, won't be much in terms of money. Instead..."

"You'll get a magical tool, right?"

"Exactly. More specifically, if you can bring back extra tears—magic crystals—he will make them into a tool for you."

Node, matching Genius's tone, negotiated on Elyseo's behalf. Genius carefully considered the explanation he received from Node, checking for any issues. While they were friends, they recognized that this was a business matter. It would be problematic if Node introduced Elyseo to a group of friends who didn't carefully review the content.

"Any other conditions?"

"The magician's identity—the source of the magical tool—must not be disclosed."

"Ah, that could cause a commotion."

"I appreciate your understanding."

"Alright, I'm in!"

"Thanks, Genius."

"Don't worry about it. I'm the one who should be grateful for such a good opportunity."

Genius successfully accepted Node's proposal—the request from Elyseo to collect magic crystals. All that was left was to submit the request through the adventurer's guild. While it was possible to directly contract the job between Elyseo and Genius, Node did not recommend it due to potential issues.

"Node, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"From what I've heard, this request doesn't seem to benefit you much. Why are you being so kind to this magician?"

"Why go to such lengths," Genius asked, puzzled. When this question was suddenly thrown at Node while they were shaking hands in celebration, he hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Elyseo reminds me of my younger siblings... I just ended up taking care of him."

Node scratched his cheek, embarrassed, as he said this. Genius, hearing this, muttered, "You haven't changed," and invited Node back to the bar.

"Have a drink, Node! I'll buy you one!"

"...I'll take you up on that."

The celebration for the new job continued late into the night, with Node enjoying free drinks amid the renewed noise of the adventurer's guild.

When the party was in full swing, and Node returned to the carriage, saying he had training the next day, he was greeted by Neut's protest, which was to be expected.

It was a difficult and wandering process.

I spent about 4 days on this, trying different approaches, so I think there are probably quite a few unnatural parts in the writing.

I wish a ghostwriter stand would appear.

9/11

I made a slight change to the previous 14th episode.

There are no major changes, but feel free to check it out.

I added the content of the magic spells that can be used with the magic sword and slightly weakened the last line (like pouring water on a burnt stone).

Bonus

～After returning from the party～

"Meow!"

"No, I'm really sorry, here's a treat."

Node gave a piece of meat to Neut!

"Sniff, sniff" *turns away*

Neut is sniffing with