Chapter 99.2 - The Second Year at the Academy - Distant Mentor (2)


    When I returned home, I pondered about [Magic Tool Creation] while sipping Shogun tea.


    Currently, the easiest challenge seems to be essories.


    There''s no limit in quantity, so as long as they soak in the solution, they can be permeated inrge quantities.


    However, there is a risk that essories may be cursed magical items.


    Rings reinforced for durability are an example, and essories aren''t useful for enhancements like sh or impact.


    Simr things may happen with weapons, but the potential is lower than with essories.


    However, weapons are bulky.


    The number that can be immersed in the alchemical solution is small, reducing the number of attempts.


    As for armor, I don''t even feel like preparing it.


    I''ve purchased containers specifically for weapons.


    Shaped like swords, they reduce the waste of the solution, and if I prepare arge quantity, I can maintain the current pace.


    However, managing them seems quite difficult.


    Ted and the others would be fine, but I can''t ask Dana.


    Moreover, cksmithing takes time. Without working through the night, I can''t prepare arge quantity.


    "In that case—craft weapons as much as possible, and if there are spare magic stones, try essories. Is that a safe choice?"


    With a tentative conclusion, I went to the backyard.


    Although there is space at home, the backyard is evenrger.


    If I build it in a corner, it won''t interfere with forging, and if I make it a workshop, it would be even better.


    I looked up and surveyed the old brick buildings, dpidated wooden houses, and ruins-like apartment buildings.


    Most buildings had their backs turned, so I didn''t pay much attention.


    But if it became a forge, that wouldn''t work.


    The noise and soot from the forge were terrible.


    The formation of a craftsman district was for that reason.


    If I make the walls thick and the chimney tall, would that help with noise and soot?


    Using [Earth Wall], even if the building looks ugly, it can be made, and since there are no seams, the soundproofing effect should be high. However, whether it would be effective or not, I couldn''t answer.


    I''m not an expert.


    While I was pondering, I felt the presence of someone on the street in front of my house.


    Dana, perhaps? It''s earlier than usual, but maybe the work is already done?


    Following the presence absentmindedly, the person didn''t pass by but stopped in front of my house, knocking on the door.


    It''s rare for someone toe alone.


    When I opened the door, Dana bowed deeply.


    "I apologize for the sudden visit."


    "That''s fine, but did something happen at the ranch?"


    "No, no monsters have appeared since then. Today, it''s about this."


    Saying that, Dana handed me arge bowl.


    It seems to be stew—why bring it on the way home?


    When bringing soup, it''s usually carried from next door, and it looks more luxurious than usual.


    Curious, I asked, and it turned out to be a thank-you from the ranch.


    Not for defeating the Dekrama.


    But for the Kudurga cuisine.


    The workers are mostly poor, and they rarely get to eat meat.


    Unable to afford bread, they eat only porridge-like food.


    Until recently, Dana was the same. I generously distributed Kudorga meat, and the excess that couldn''t be eaten was given as a souvenir.


    It seems to have left a considerable impression, and even after two days, the topic of the feast is still going on.


    The ranchers, who wanted to express their gratitude, heard that Dana was acquainted with me.


    Even the director joined in, and using high-quality parts from the ughtered livestock, Dana and the others made stew.


    Why the thanks are in the form of stew is a mystery, but there''s no reason to refuse, so I epted it sincerely.


    "Well then, I''ll dly ept this."


    Dana bowed and tried to leave, but I stopped her.


    "Can I bother you for a bit more? I''m in a bit of a bind and want your advice."


    "Me—?"


    "No one is more qualified than you. Well,e in."


    I invited her in, and while she felt apologetic, I made tea.


    When the time was right, I asked for her opinion on the forge and workshop.


    "What do you think? Would it be a nuisance to the neighborhood?"


    "It would be a bother…"


    I conveyed that I wanted Dana''s honest opinion to Dana, who seemed somewhat uneasy.


    After hesitating for a while, she answered hesitantly.


    "I don''t think anyone wouldin to Alter-sama."


    With that, she spoke with reluctance.