Chapter 9

I return to the inn and spread a map on the bed. It features an overall map, followed by a breakdown of the major regions, with each city’s simple characteristics noted. It’s a book I often gaze at.

Many of the major cities from before the change still remain as they were. I’ve only confirmed their names on the map; I haven’t visited them.

Even though the world has transformed into a fantasy realm, places like Ueno and Nagoya still exist. It seems there are areas consumed by magic essence, and the Umeda Station Dungeon has apparently become a real dungeon.

The place I’m currently in is a new town created after the change in a certain area of Kanto. Since the terrain has shifted, I can’t definitively say this was once the same vicinity. Frankly, I only vaguely remember the locations of prefectures outside my immediate neighborhood from before the change.

For now, I’ll search for the town of Raada that the two mentioned. If I feel like wandering, I can always move. For the time being, this place is decided.

Now, what should I do about the outside world?

The domains of demons and humans. For me, it seems less troublesome to lean towards the demon-controlled territory. If monsters approach, it wouldn’t be a problem to defeat them, but in human territory, if I were to eliminate monsters or use barriers to keep them away, I might be asked to help.

Lands dense with magic essence and those ruled by demons often have many blank spots on the map and lack information. For now, I’ll avoid the clearly defined areas of demon lords, but it looks like there’s a concentration of magic essence around here.

If the magic essence is dense, I can freely use enhancement spells—and besides, I’m here, so I can emit and absorb magic essence without worry. It’s wonderful to be without prying eyes!

Yeah, for now, at least.

How should I move? The legitimate method to seek speed is to pay for a horse or bird-type familiar to transport me. However, they won’t take me to the exact location I desire. In emergencies, I might manage to take a route along the highway or one that flies above it.

Well, I guess I’ll go as far as I can and then capture a monster I can ride, or perhaps buy a magic horse that’s already become a familiar.

I have prepared magical tools for commanding monsters, but now what?

I stop by the tool shop to say my farewell before setting off.

I plan to depart tomorrow, but since I’ll be leaving early in the morning, I live at the inn and am borrowing tools, making it feel like a spontaneous decision. I’m quite light on my feet.

“This is a parting gift from Madi. Check the items on that shelf; those are from me,” Arisa says.

“Thank you!”

Madi’s farewell gift is a shoulder bag. Madi is of the same type as the one who created the tool shop’s warehouse [Giver], specializing in spatial enhancements. The bag is probably a magical tool that can hold several times its apparent volume.

It seems extravagant for someone like me, who has only met Madi a few times at the tool shop, but it’s likely a gesture from Master Konten to support his junior. If I ever get a junior, I’ll do something similar.

“The bag from Madi might not mean much to you,” Arisa remarks.

“No, I’m grateful. It seems more convenient for daily use.”

For over a year, I’ve been planning to build a house in a location with dense magic essence. I’m aware that such areas tend to be uninhabited.

I’ve learned magic to transport materials for building my house. Instead of imbuing items, I’ll be using it as a [Support Mage].

Spatial magic falls under the domain of [Givers]. Rather than influencing objects, it’s about exerting influence over space—a high-level skill. I understand it’s influenced by the image of the Saintess.

The difference between magic and magical tools is stability. The former uses my own magical power—magic essence that I can release at will. With magical tools, materials are used during creation, but operation relies on the surrounding magic essence.

Well, it’s customary to only bring items that don’t pose a problem.

Magic seems difficult to maintain continuously, and sustaining its effects is apparently a challenge. Therefore, typical spells used by [Support Mages] are for temporary enhancements or boosts. I apologize for having almost limitless magical power.

Moreover, it seems you can’t use spatial magic unless you possess more than five elemental affinities. My bad; I’ve stuffed in all the attributes.

In the city, the available magic essence is scarce, and it seems unlikely that I can keep up with replenishing or recovering it.

Additionally, creating magical tools requires expensive materials. So, I had given up early on, but now I’ve received something from Madi. He’s a good guy.

From Arisa, I got a compact set of tools for making ‘Recovery Potions’ that I had returned. It suggests that I should produce while traveling to earn money.

There’s also a magical tool similar to an ultra-light down long coat. It seems to come with temperature regulation—wait, does this have an effect of securing air between me and the ground?

“That’s a farewell gift from a [Giver] who took flight from this tool shop before you. They hated sleeping outside,” Arisa explains.

I see, it would allow for a comfortable night’s sleep even on the ground, serving as a substitute for a urethane mat and sleeping bag. Is there really anyone who enjoys sleeping outdoors? Ah, right, Master Konten and the others slept directly on the ground…

And it seems all the [Givers] that Master Konten picked up have left this town.

There are at least seven seniors, excluding Madi, that I’ve yet to meet. I haven’t been particularly interested in others, so I didn’t inquire deeply, but I now wish I had asked while I had the chance.

With my need to leave town urgently, I feel a bit lonely, as if I’m being pushed out. It might be why Madi’s farewell gift feels particularly significant. I’ll cherish it.

“There’s no need to thank me. But once you settle down, send me a gift for future juniors. I won’t stop you from giving to those you form bonds with, but no pampering—just one gift,” Arisa advises, glancing at the bag from Madi.

I understand; it’s not good to overindulge.

“Got it. Thank you!”

After exchanging farewells, I leave the tool shop.

I buy durable travel food and some of those black astringent fruits before returning to the inn. I’ve returned what I borrowed from Arisa, and my belongings are very few.

It’s also because I couldn’t gather more while living at the inn. Once I set up my base, I’ll collect various items.