Adaptation refers to the process of becoming accustomed to magic power.
The degree of adaptation can sometimes be quantified into levels, which are also used as an indicator of a mercenary’s strength. Surpassing Level 5 signifies a superhuman, and reaching Level 10 is considered beyond human. There’s even a rumor that Level 10 individuals grow horns or wings.
Adaptation progresses as one ventures into dungeons and their bodies come into contact with magic power. The deeper one goes into a dungeon, the denser the magic power becomes. Thus, both monsters and humans adapt more the further they venture, leading to extraordinary strength that defies common sense.
“Cucumber, what level do you think you’d be at?”
“Kyuu?”
I spoke to Cucumber, who was swallowing a magic stone. Since my pockets were already full, I told Cucumber I didn’t need any more, and it began swallowing the stones.
When I first realized my pockets were full, I panicked. It was the first time this had happened during an exploration. Since today’s plan was to stay in the shallow areas, I hadn’t prepared a bag for carrying magic stones. Discovering I couldn’t bring them back was a bit of a shock.
The abundance of magic stones was due to the increase in the number of monsters encountered deeper in the dungeon. In the recent battle, five monsters—three wolf-types and two rabbit-types—appeared simultaneously.
And once again, I didn’t participate in the fight. To be accurate, I couldn’t.
Cucumber’s strength was beyond imagination. Like Hotaru, Cucumber approached the monsters and overwhelmed them with sheer power, ending the battle before it truly began.
Ah, how envious.
I can’t be blamed for feeling that way. Watching Cucumber and Hotaru constantly reminds me of how ordinary I am.
Not that there’s anything wrong with being ordinary. I’ve always known that. But it still stings. Turns out I’m more competitive than I thought.
“Cucumber, does that taste good?”
Having finished its fourth magic stone, Cucumber responded with a cheerful “Kyuu!” to my question.
“Then, can you give me just one of those?”
When I asked, Cucumber happily brought a magic stone to me, holding it in its mouth.
“Thanks.”
I decided to try something that had just occurred to me. First, I used Weapon Forge to transform the magic stone into a state of pure magic power. Next, I kneaded the magic power, shaping it slightly before finalizing it in my mind as complete.
“Ahh—”
Finally, I tossed the now-liquid magic stone into my mouth and chewed. It tasted like flavorless gum and was downright unpleasant.
What I just did was an experiment with Weapon Forge and magic stones.
About Weapon Forge:
Previously, I created a slime spear without a skill blueprint. That experience made me wonder if I was too reliant on skills. So, I tried creating something that wasn’t a weapon. The result was a success. Although it was a simple task of reverting the magic stone to magic power and altering its shape slightly, it proved I could create non-weapon items. This significantly expanded the range of things I could make.
Regarding magic stones:
Cucumber, despite its quirky behavior, is technically a monster. If it consumes magic stones, there must be a reason. Cucumber isn’t the type to eat just anything—it selects what it consumes. Thus, it’s unlikely to eat magic stones by accident. Its reasons for consuming them could include:
- Magic replenishment: Magic stones are concentrated magic power, making this the most likely reason.
- A delicacy: Cucumber seemed to respond positively when I asked if it was tasty. Given its apparent understanding of my words, this seems plausible.
While other possibilities exist, these two are the strongest candidates.
For now, I’ll reserve judgment until I have more results.
I swallowed the magic stone. I could feel it moving down my esophagus. There was a slight warmth in the area it passed through, but not much else. Perhaps my magic power increased slightly.
I focused on the magic within me, but I couldn’t determine any precise changes in its amount. I’d need to eat more to confirm any effects.
If magic stones truly restore magic power, they could be revolutionary as a magic recovery item, potentially bringing enormous profit.
Using skills often consumes significant amounts of magic power, sometimes leaving one completely drained. An item that replenishes magic during such times would be invaluable. Currently, no such magic recovery items are commercially available. If I could sell this, it might generate immense wealth.
Of course, it’d also make a lot of enemies.
“Cucumber, let’s head back!”
I called Cucumber, who had been frolicking in the air, and we retraced our steps. I was exhausted, so further experiments would have to wait.
“Good work today, Ishiguro-kun.”
As I scanned my card at the gate to exit to the surface, a woman in guild staff attire called out to me.
“Oh, Kato-san.”
She was the one who had stopped me on my first exploration when I didn’t have a weapon. We’ve chatted a few times since then.
“No injuries? Not overdoing it?”
“Yeah, I only explored shallow areas today since my partner wasn’t available.”
I feel like I lie to her all the time.
“That’s good. I was worried after you brought back a golem’s magic stone when you explored with that cute girl, Yofune-chan. Newcomer mortality rates have been high lately, so be careful.”
Back then, when a golem appeared from the wall, I’d reported the incident as unusual to Kato-san, who was manning the reception desk. Mercenaries are required to report such anomalies to the guild.
“Thanks. By the way, what’s that flyer you’re holding?”
“This? It’s a recruitment notice for a large-scale raid. I was just about to post it on the board. Oh, you should consider joining, Ishiguro-kun! Experienced fighters will handle the combat, and you’ll likely be assigned as a porter, so it’s not dangerous. It’d be great experience—and you’d earn a lot. Just for participating, you’d easily make 10 million yen!”
Kato-san flashed a mischievous grin as she gestured with her fingers to form a money sign.
“Hmm, can I think about it at home? I don’t want to make a hasty decision.”
The enormous sum of 10 million yen shocked me, but the amount was so large it helped me stay calm.
“Of course.”
“Thank you. See you later.”
“See you!”
I jogged away. Looking around, I noticed the sharp stares that had been directed at me earlier were gone. Perhaps they were due to jealousy over my interaction with Kato-san, who has an approachable charm.
I headed for the auto-exchange machine. It’s a convenient device that converts magic stones into money by inserting them alongside your card. Today’s total was 5,800 yen. Considering I couldn’t collect much after my pockets filled, it wasn’t bad.
I was satisfied.
