Chapter 8

“Zaha is said to have a lot of unusual dishes these days, isn’t that right?”

“That place is a delicacy. It’s probably better to go there occasionally rather than eating there every day.”

First candidate: Nope.

“What about Darimu?”

“The dishes made from the magic ox are exquisite, but—can you stand the smell of beasts?”

“Ah, right. They have disassembly spots both inside and outside the town, and it gets pretty smelly around there.”

Second candidate: Nope.

“Kyoto, Kanazawa—but cities with Japanese names are generally strict about entry. The safe choice would be Raada?”

“That town is moderately developed and collects decent materials, right?”

“Since it gathers materials evenly, it seems like a good town to live in. The central area is more developed than here.”

It seems they’ve come to a consensus.

“I see, Raada it is.”
I take a mental note.

The house I’ll own in town will be in Raada.

“The town is jointly managed by the Adventurers’ Guild and the council, so unless there’s an attack from monsters, I don’t think there are any obligations,” Madi says.

Depending on the town, there may be obligations for service. Regular vigilance, compulsory participation in battles, and for [Givers], there’s often the delivery of ‘Recovery Potions’ or magical tools.

Most towns are managed by the Adventurers’ Guild or the council—government-related bodies or individuals elected by citizens—but sometimes, individuals own towns.

Those who own towns are usually strong [Holy Mark] bearers, especially those called [Heroes] who fight against demonkind.

People gather around the [Heroes] and build towns with the same purpose. While there’s a chance for a windfall, it comes with the caveat of “as long as it doesn’t break.” It seems many gather for a comfortable life abundant in magic and materials.

While it seems rewarding to pursue a common goal together, that’s not really my style. Sounds like a hassle.

By the way, in this world, there are multiple demon lords. The Black Sirius, Black Canopus, Black Regulus, and Black Arcturus—eleven well-known figures named after first-magnitude stars. By the way, there are twenty-one first-magnitude stars, and the rest are called by names like White Pollux or by [Heroes].

I’ve heard some even claim the names of the Seven Deadly Sins, but you know? The names of stars appeared frequently in the novels the Saintess was into, so this world is filled with cool star name vibes. What should I do about that?

If you can’t name all twenty-one, you’re treated like a kid who can’t recite the eight times table.

And on top of that, it’s clear that they’re self-proclaimed demon lords, right? The stronger ones among the demonkind claim to be demon lords or are called that. In a world with demon lords, scary, huh? (sarcastically).

“Going in and out of town to find compatible [Heroes] or [Mages] to request material gathering is also an option. Oh, going to a land rich in magic as a [Support Mage] is another possibility.”

“I’ll pass on combat. I intended to buy materials from the guild, but direct requests could work.”

“If both parties like each other, becoming exclusive partners is also a possibility.”

I mentally tell Madi, who seems outgoing, that I lack confidence in interpersonal skills.

“Are you going to take a warehouse?” Madi asks me.

“Not with how full it is, right?”
I look at Arisa.

The tool shop building is imbued with powerful enhancements. It seems the previous owner created it with a [Giver] acquaintance.

It has barriers to avoid harm from monsters and individuals with malicious intent, as well as an effect that attracts those suitable for handling the magical tools. And the number of rooms is disproportionate to the building’s exterior size. Specifically, when the warehouse door opens and closes, it connects to ten rooms.

While Arisa also possesses power as a [Giver], she focuses her energy on maintaining this magical tool, the ‘tool shop,’ and rarely goes out or creates other magical tools herself.

The warehouse that Madi refers to is the place where the rooms change when opened or closed. The first room is a normal spacious warehouse, and from the second room onward, they’re about the size of a tatami mat with shelves, and there are magic circles drawn on the floor at the back.

By using magical tools corresponding to these magic circles, one can move from outside onto the circles. Madi didn’t enter through the tool shop’s entrance; he came out from the warehouse.

“Master Konten will bring back supplies, so the warehouse is full. Either you or Centui should hurry up and make a transportation magical tool,” Arisa says with a sigh.

In fact, I’ve already learned the enhancement for movement. Since Arisa had been gathering materials, I’ve been able to create at least one magical tool. However, that one is meant for moving from the mana-rich house to the town house. To create another magical tool, I need to gather materials on my own.

Being in a position where I have no support, I don’t want to cut ties with Arisa and those who will be coming here, including Master Konten, so I plan to do my best.

However, even Arisa took a year to gather materials. I wonder how long it’ll take me to collect them without any connections.

The reason I can’t have a warehouse is probably because I can already create movement magical tools. Probably, definitely. If I’m wrong, it’s a bit sad, even if it’s first come, first served.

“I’ll also sort through the materials. I’ll leave them with Arisa for you to pick up later!”

“Thanks.”
He’s actually a pretty good guy.

After a little consultation, it seems my departure from this town has been confirmed soon.

It seems the mana in this town is somewhat unstable. Arisa looked a bit anxious about when it might start affecting the town.

By the way, the effects on the town begin with malfunctions in magical tools. It takes a bit of time to notice when people start feeling unwell due to a lack of mana. Humans can function even with a bit of mana deficiency, but magical tools stop immediately if they don’t have the required amount of mana.

Unless the magical tool has some buffer on the amount it can store, types that need daily replenishment are said to be dangerous. Specifically, there’s a possibility that the streetcar could stop in the middle of its route.

That’s definitely nerve-wracking.

So, without being fully prepared, I’ll hastily depart—well, tomorrow. For today, I’m going to head home and laze around.