97. Sometimes You Don’t Know Until It’s Get Pointed Out, Isn’t It?

 

When the Swamp Extermination Squad advanced near the central part of the swamp, they rescued Zaid’s private soldiers.

According to these soldiers, Zaid and his private troops entered the dangerous central swamp but were attacked by a large number of hydras and got scattered.

Kyle decided to rescue Zaid and his private soldiers.

The adventurers led by Raidoc and the lizardmen led by Juralala began a joint exploration into the depths of the swamp.

The so-called “depths of the swamp” and “central part of the swamp” encompass a vast area that could accommodate city-states with their territories.

Exploration wouldn’t be straightforward.

Kyle’s remaining team, staying behind, set up a camp to support them.

I finished my assigned tasks.

“Hey, Leafan, isn’t my workload too light?”

All I did was manage item inventory and go around asking soldiers if they had any problems.

“Your job is to rest, Craft! Be ready to act immediately if anything happens!”

“Oh…”

I realized I hadn’t fully embraced my role as Kyle’s bodyguard.

I decided to rest in a wagon prepared next to Kyle and Maina’s lodging wagon.

Then, Jabil-sensei approached.

“Craft, may I have a word?”

“Of course, sensei. I’ll make some tea, so please have a seat.”

“Alright.”

I threw tea leaves into a pot and poured hot water.

I created the hot water with magic.

Using magic like this was unimaginable in my adventurer days.

I handed the tea to Jabil-sensei, feeling sorry for the cheap cup.

“Hmm. You should learn how to brew tea better.”

“Uh… Sorry. Even with the same tea leaves, Ryuuko’s tea tastes better…”

“Think of it like alchemy. It’s the same as managing extraction temperatures with medicinal herbs.”

I hadn’t thought of that!

“I’ll practice.”

From now on, I’ll learn tea brewing from Ryuuko as part of my training.

As I resolved this, sensei’s expression tightened.

“Alright, back to the main topic. How much do you know about orichalcum?”

“Orichalcum?”

“Yes.”

It’s an alloy of mithril and adamantite, well-balanced in weight and magical properties, making it ideal for both weapons and armor.

Moreover, it can be used as a convenient communication device due to its psychic responsiveness when alchemically processed.

I conveyed this to sensei using technical terms.

But sensei weakly shook his head.

“What I’m asking is not the characteristics of the metal itself. It’s about the impact of orichalcum.”

“Impact…?”

Should I think of it as causing three times the commotion when mithril was discovered?

“Alright, it’s lecture time. Firstly, orichalcum itself is almost unknown.”

“Indeed, even adventurers are often unaware of it.”

“That’s just a rumor about a remarkable metal, right?”

“Yes.”

“In other words, most people have no way of knowing what kind of metal orichalcum is.”

“I see.”

“Among them, the psychic responsiveness you’ve confirmed is an entirely unknown fact until now.”

“Is that so?”

When I tilted my head, sensei showed me an orichalcum ring.

“You created this communication magic tool, but no one knew why it could communicate.”

“Oh? So you knew about this magic tool, sensei?”

As expected of Jabil-sensei.

“Yes. Though it’s my first time handling one, I knew of its existence.”

“Then, weren’t the properties of orichalcum known?”

“No, I heard orichalcum was used in magic tools, but I didn’t know it utilized this metal’s unique properties.”

“I see.”

If sensei didn’t know, then very few people must be aware.

“So, sensei, is there a problem?”

“Fool. There are countless problems. You see this as just a convenient magic tool, but its value is immeasurable.”

“More than just convenience?”

I thought it was incredible for military use, allowing communication even when apart, but…

“Indeed… For example, if someone in the capital had this magic tool and heard about a rise in the price of magic stones, what would you do?”

“Well, I’d ask a merchant to sell a lot… Oh!”

Thinking from a merchant’s perspective, it could generate enormous profits!

“What about information like a coup in a neighboring empire sending a large army here?”

“Without information, we’d be caught off guard and suffer significant damage.”

A military perspective now?

Wait a minute.

Isn’t this communication tool way more dangerous than I thought?

Seeing my changing expression, Jabil-sensei nodded.

“It seems you’re beginning to understand. This magic tool is more amazing and simultaneously more dangerous than you thought. However, due to the immense magic consumption, it’s not something just anyone can use.”

When I gave the ring to Eva, she muttered something similar.

Professional magicians are indeed sharp.

I thought I understood to some extent, but it seems I was still a bit lacking.

“Should this magic tool be sealed, then?”

“No, you should use it. However, it’s better not to make more.”

“Understood!”

Sensei nodded with satisfaction.

“Well, only your trusted comrades should have this communication tool. On the other hand, it might be good to let some weapons made of orichalcum into the public.”

“What do you mean?”

“The fact that orichalcum was found can’t be hidden. Merchants already know Kyle is managing it.”

“Apparently.”

I was so shocked when a merchant piled a wagon full of gold coins begging to buy it.

How did he make so much money so quickly?

“If weapons made of orichalcum reach nobles and adventurers, rumors will settle. No one would imagine it was found in ingot form.”

Wait.

Did I tell sensei about making ingots, let alone ten of them?

Well, never mind.

“I have a good idea.”

“What is it?”

“Since Raidoc is likely to shine again this time, how about giving him an orichalcum sword as a special reward to divert attention?”

“Hmm.”

Sensei crossed her arms and stayed silent for a while.

“It’s a bit too much for a reward.”

“Indeed… I’ll adjust with Kyle.”

“Yes. Kyle will come up with a good pretext.”

I’m very pleased that sensei trusts Kyle.

“Regarding orichalcum, continue consulting Kyle.”

“Understood.”

Just then, the sound of battle echoed from outside.

“What!?”

I jumped out of the wagon to see Kyle’s resting private soldiers bustling.

One of them rushed toward me.

“Craft! A group of hydras is approaching from ten o’clock! We can handle them, but there are many! Please stay with Kyle just in case!”

“Got it!”

I hurried to Kyle and Myrna’s wagon with Jabil-sensei.

Not that far, though.

Then, self-proclaimed adventurer Van Vine stood in front of the wagon.

A red-haired bearded man, probably a noble.

“I heard the hydras in this area were significantly reduced. Are they back?”

Van calmly stroked his chin.

I think he’s lying about being an adventurer, but he seems accustomed to rough situations.

“We were supposed to clear the shallow areas and this part of the swamp before moving on. You understand why?”

Van shrugged.

“Yeah. Because this vast swamp is swarming with hydras.”

“Exactly. The plan was to eliminate as many hydras as possible before advancing into the extremely dense central part of the swamp.”

“Helping people takes priority, huh?”

“Yes.”

Zaid is annoying, but he’s still Kyle’s brother.

I want Zaid to suffer, but saving him alive is urgent, considering Kyle’s kind nature.

The battle sounds intensified.

Kyle peeked out from the wagon, looking anxious.

“Craft-niisama…”

I smiled to reassure him.

“It’s alright. There are many, but your soldiers are excellent.”

“I know, but…”

They don’t seem to be struggling, but should I help?

As I hesitated, Van grinned.

“Alright. I’ll go.”

Van grabbed a giant white sword as tall as himself.