8.1. It’s Good To Feel Yourself Getting Stronger, Isn’t It?

“In alchemy, you can create a gem called Dowsing Teardrop.”
“Oh, I remember now. Dowsing is the one that can locate water veins and mineral veins.”
“It seems so.”
Apparently, Leafan knew about it. It’s no wonder she was appointed by the Production Guild’s head. 
While the knowledge comes from the alchemist’s emblem, which may not be entirely reliable, in practice, emblems don’t usually lie, so it should be fine.
“Hang this Dowsing Teardrop on a string, walk while imagining the veins you want to find, and it will glow in the place where they are buried.”
“I see. Craft-kun might not always be in the village, right?”
“Even when Craft-san is not around, it allows for easy water procurement.”
“Yeah. Shopping, material hunting, going outside—Craft is likely busy. Having a well would be a good idea.”
“True. It doesn’t hurt to have one.”
“If you know the location of water veins, you can avoid random digging in multiple places.”
“There’s just one problem though.”
“Problem?”
“Yeah, for the production of the Teardrop, there’s one material missing.”
“What?”
“Magic stones.”
“Ah…”
Magic stones. Stones containing magic power are extracted from creatures like magical beasts and monsters. 
They are versatile materials used not only in alchemy but also in magical weapons, tools, and magical devices.
The required magic stones are of good quality and somewhat widespread, but for creatures like Goblins, it’s a bit tricky to obtain.
“It’ll be challenging without hunting some orcs.”
“Orc-class magic stones?”
“If that’s the case, let’s send Alphard or Persia to hunt.”
“No, it’s not that simple. Although their abilities are high, solo missions are not allowed.”
“Then, what about both of them together?”
“Even worse. Who will protect Kyle and the village? There are no more escort adventurers, you know?”
“We have Craft-san, though…”
“Of course, he’ll protect with all his might if needed, but such tasks are meant for dedicated individuals.”
Alphard, who was listening from a distance, nodded in agreement.
“Shall we go buy some? If it’s orc-level magic stones, it should be within budget.”
Generally, Orc-level stones are of common or slightly better quality. Goblin-class magic stones have ridiculously low buying prices, but their selling prices are moderate, making them unpopular. 
Quality above orcs becomes increasingly rare and expensive.
“That might be the fastest solution, but we’ll need magic stones regularly from now on.”
“That’s true…”
“Do we need that much of it?”
“It’s essential for alchemy.”
“I see…”
As the three pondered, hunters rolled back from the depths of the forest.
“Trouble! There’s an Orc settlement deep in the forest!”
“It’s bad! There are over 20 Orcs! It’s a large settlement!”
“What!?”
People working in the village raised voices similar to screams.
For ordinary folks, Orcs are like monsters bringing death.
But what terrible timing.
Despite being warned about the dangers beyond the seemingly harmless neighboring forest, it’s troublesome.
“Orcs…”
“Twenty is a lot. I alone might struggle.”
“Huh? Leafan, can you fight?”
“Even production jobs involve gathering materials, right?”
“Fighting orcs, even for someone other than an adventurer.”
“We never have enough magic stones.”
“Ah, that’s true.”
The income of adventurers is most stable through the purchase of magic stones. 
Prices are strictly set based on grades, preventing any deception.
I’ve relied on that a lot too.
“Hmm… I’ll go check it out alone first.”
“Huh? Alone?”
“I was an adventurer until recently, after all. I can handle reconnaissance.”
“But you said not to send Alphard or Persia alone.”
“Don’t mix professional soldiers with adventurers. I’m a monster specialist here.”
“But you were a magician, right?”
“The magic didn’t help much. I did everything I could.”
From cleaning to laundry, cooking, reconnaissance, dagger and staff skills, identifying herbs…
I did a lot of odd jobs. Haha.
“You’ve been through a lot.”
“Craft-san…”
“Don’t mention it.”
Fortunately, with spatial storage, there’s no need for special preparations.
“Well then, I’ll be off.”
“Don’t push yourself. Perhaps it’s better to have Alphard or Persia with you…”
“The enemy’s scale isn’t confirmed yet. Those two are absolutely necessary for the village’s defense. It’s not just Kyle’s problem.”
“That’s… indeed true. Okay, understood. Take care!”
“I’ll be fine. Leave it to me.”