Chapter 232 - Mithril and Jewels
Wednesday
The sky was still a bit gloomy, so we ate lunch in the classroom. As usual, the main topic was what we’d been up to in [IRO].
I wanted to talk to [Nat] about something, but it was a bit difficult with [Mion] and [Iincho] right there. Maybe I’ll invite him over this Sunday...
The conversation shifted from mushroom cultivation to a story about [Nat] visiting my grandparents’ rural home when we were in elementary school,
"Ah, [Shou]'s grandpa is super kind, isn't he? Grandma, though, is terrifying..."
"You're the first person besides Mashiro-nee to ever piss off my grandma."
"It was just a kid’s prank, come on..."
I don't think there's an adult alive who wouldn't snap if someone put a bullfrog on their head and called it a "present," you know?
[Mion] made a puzzled face, so I explained it to her, and she shook her head puru puru. [Iincho], meanwhile, let out a big sigh.
"Kashihara-kun, you always go too far."
That's [Nat] for you, a man who tackles everything with full effort.
While it’s fun in its own way, I wish he’d consider me, who always gets dragged into cleaning up his messes.
"So, are you still in the [Rashad Territory]?"
"Yeah, from what I hear about the [Necropolis], it doesn't seem like we can just waltz in, so we decided to observe for a while.
Well, there's also the [Dragon Coin] situation you told me about, so I'm going to explore the [Inner Ancient Dungeon]."
The [ancient ruins] dungeon discovered even deeper than the [Former Gnome Village].
Its official name was apparently too long, so it somehow became known as the Inner Ancient Dungeon.
Well, that's common enough in these kinds of MMOs.
"Are the [Gnomes] doing well?"
"They're doing great. They're making mushrooms, and some of them are even interested in [Carpentry], so I've been teaching them."
"That's a little enviable..."
My [Fairies] gather [Fairy Honey] for me, but it's hard to find other tasks for them...
I wonder if I could ask for help if more [Fairies] joined the island.
Speaking of which, there was talk that if I summon the [Selkie], I have to give them work and rewards.
What kind of work should I ask them to do...?
"About that [Selkie] who came to my live stream..."
"Oh, the one in the seal costume?"
"The thing is, if I summon him, I have to give him work and a reward."
"Work for such a small child?"
[Iincho] looked a bit skeptical, but [Gnomes] look similar in age, too.
That [Selkie Prince] might even be older than us... or not.
"Don't overthink it too much, maybe? Catching fish for the live stream was probably work. And [Shou] properly cooked a meal and gave it as a reward."
[Nat] said that, laughing, and [Mion] next to him nodded in agreement, "I see."
"It looks difficult for us to dive deep, but I wonder if those children would be fine?"
"I bet they're good at it, right? They're like sea fairies."
"Then, maybe I'll have them gather better seaweed. No, wait, sea urchins, abalone, turban shells..."
*Hmm, I'm really starting to crave [Soy Sauce] and butter now.
And then, if I find some rice, a seafood rice bowl...*
"Dream bigger, man! There might be a whole sunken ship full of treasure, you know?"
"Ehh? That sounds like another troublesome situation to get caught up in, though."
For now, I just want to take it easy until the [Necropolis] [World Quest] is over...
Club activity time.
Tonight was our first Wednesday live stream, but since it was just a brief explanation of the area behind the church, followed by a relaxed Q&A session, there was no need to rush preparations.
"Alright, time to make some of the things I've been planning."
What are you making?
"Um, first, I thought I should wear this too."
The [Selkie] we talked about at lunch. The jade flute used to summon them grants [Swimming Skill] +1 and [Diving Skill] +1, so it'd be a waste not to wear it.
That’s nice. But with all the new items, isn’t it getting heavy?
"It doesn't feel heavy, but the string might snap, so I'm planning to change that too."
It’s a [Bicobit] leather strap, but I made it when my skill level was low, so I’m a bit worried.
[Seth] said there aren't any non-tradable items, so I'd hate to drop it while diving in the ocean...
You're changing it to stronger leather.
"Yeah. Ape leather was good for fishing rods too, so I'll probably braid about three strands of that."
Typical apes, always bending and stretching their bodies to climb trees, which makes their leather straps elastic and good. All that's left is to make a holder out of [Mithril] and thread it through.
"Alright, I'll do the work at the [Blacksmithing] forge. [Lupi] and the others can go play."
"Woof!"
"~~~♪"
[Lupi]-chan, be careful.
[Lupi] wagged her tail in response to [Mion]'s words.
I watched her trot off energetically, then decided it was time for me to head to the blacksmith's as well.
...
...
...
"Alright, it's done."
[Selkie Pendant]
*A pendant with a [Selkie Whistle] attached. A rare item with a jade body held by [Mithril].
Summoned [Selkies] must be given work and a reward.
[Swimming Skill] +1, [Diving Skill] +1, [Spirit Magic] +1.*
"Eh?"
You got a [Spirit Magic Skill] bonus!
"This is because I made the holder out of [Mithril], right? If I make holders for [Spirit Stones] out of [Mithril], will they also get a bonus?"
No, no, if that were the case, it would mean I just need to make a holder for each [Spirit Stone], and with my current ones, I'd be at +3 or something, and that would definitely be "broken," wouldn't it?
Should I check the [Official Forum]?
"Ah, yeah, please. I don't think so, but it's bugging me..."
Yes!
Now, was there anything else I needed to make at the blacksmith's? Oh, right. I should make a stockpot. I got my hands on some [Lycos] (tomatoes), so I want to try making minestrone or bouillabaisse. Also, I need to try making chicken broth with [Parpigeon], [Kitopukusa], and a bit of wine.
I'm back.
"Oh, welcome back. How was it?"
It doesn't seem like the combination of [Spirit Stones] and [Mithril] gives a bonus. Some players have already tried it, but they didn't get any special boosts.
"I thought so. Thanks."
If people could get bonuses that way, some would probably have already broken the skill cap by now.
There was a similar discussion... do you want to hear it?
"Hmm, I have a hunch about something, so I'd like to hear it."
The +1 to [Spirit Magic Skill] is probably due to the combination with the jade I received from the [Selkie], meaning a jewel, but I can't be sure since there are no other examples.
Yes. It seems that accessories made from a combination of jewels and [Mithril] provide skill and stat bonuses.
"Ah, I knew it. Bell-bucho got the [Amulet of Intellect] in the [Mage's Tower], and it had some blue jewel on it, so I thought it might be that."
Oh! That's right!
*Even so, what happens if you wear multiple pendants of jewels and [Mithril], each giving [Elemental Magic] +1? But then again, my mantle, boots, and gloves have accumulated bonuses to [Presence Concealment Skill]...
Well, I'll ask Bell-bucho about it later.*
But Shou-kun, you're probably the first to get a bonus for [Spirit Magic Skill], aren't you?
"Seriously...?"
Is it because I received it from the [Selkie]? I'll have to go thank them this weekend.