Chapter 409 - Chapter 2: Exploration of the Silver Mine (3)
“That’s a remarkably long staircase. Are the first and second basement floors really this far apart?”
“It’s not the first or second floor. It’s the first and second layers.”
When I wondered what the difference was, it turned out that a single floor itself is divided into multiple layers. They extend horizontally from a basic vertical shaft. The group of tunnels connected to the first vertical shaft dug is called the first layer, and the group of tunnels connected to the second vertical shaft is called the second layer.
“The ore vein here is massive. We have to dig both vertically and horizontally. That said, if you try to make a giant hollow space, you’ll get a cave-in in an instant. It’s wasteful, too. So, once we’ve dug to a certain depth, we dig a hole that leads directly to the entrance. The reason it’s a staircase is because it doubles as a passage. If we dug a straight vertical shaft, rainwater would collect in no time, and if it got blocked by a cave-in by some chance, it’d be a nightmare to repair, right?”
Water is a constant companion in mines, and apparently, they usually drain it using Teleportation Circles. If they didn't, it would be a disaster if water accumulated in the tunnels. The water discharged from mines contains toxins called mine pollution, and purifying that is also part of a dwarf’s skill. Incidentally, since the tunnels in this mine currently extend from the mountainside toward the foot, most of the water seeps out to the surface. On top of that, the silver known as the holy metal apparently doesn't produce mine pollution. That’s a relief.
“Hmm. So, what appears in that second layer?”
I didn't care about mine trivia. What mattered was information on monsters.
“There aren't any in the second layer, so I’ll let you observe the mining site.”
“Yes!”
Matilda’s eyes were sparkling.
“What about the worms?”
On the other hand, Lyudmila looked bored.
“The worms are in the third layer.”
“Are they in such a deep place?”
It was Flora. She had said something like that before. Worms don't eat soil or rock. Apparently, they prefer to eat soil created from rotted plants.
“But they are there. There are monsters here. And monsters defecate. Monster corpses rot, too. Worms eat monster dung, don't they?”
“I see, they’re there because it’s a tunnel.”
“Also, one more thing. As a result of animals here taking magic power into their bodies, the insects grew large, and other monsters became powerful. In other words, if there’s dense magic power, they can survive even with little food.”
Everyone looked at Alex all at once. It was a perspective we were hearing for the first time.
“Wh-what is it?”
“No, is what you just said true, Alex?”
“Y-yeah. Worms eat monster dung...”
“Not the worms. The part after that.”
I wonder if his playing the fool toward Eleanor-sama, as if it were a routine, was intentional.
According to Alex, monsters that grew large or strong due to the influence of overly dense magic power might be unique to this place. As proof, even with insects, for example, the eggs born are apparently the size of perfectly normal monsters.
“In other words, it is because the magic power is dense.”
“That’s right. Even in the forest, monsters in places like deep canyons are bigger than the same species in places where the sun reaches relatively well, right?”
“That is certainly true. Moreover, that was practically common knowledge.”
“That’s how it is.”
I see. It changes depending on the density of magic power. That’s why there are only rats as monsters in the sewers. Generally, it’s said that the Demon Lord chooses them, but as I thought, that was a dubious rumor.
“Of course. Places like sewers are just like forests where magic power accumulates. Normal insects, and for that matter, discarded leftovers, also carry magic power. They eat that. That’s why the strongest among the animals living in that place becomes a monster and establishes a territory. Here, when dense magic power gushed out, various animals turned into monsters all at once. That’s why various types of monsters are here regardless of territory. Try putting a cat in the sewers. ...No, a normal cat would get beaten by the rats.”
Alex stuck out his tongue, and everyone laughed.
Wait? Hold on a second.
“Hey, Alex. It seems the Ogres were created by a technique used by evil spirits.”
“Yeah, I heard.”
“And you see, regardless of other monsters, Ogres bully and kill things like Goblins to eat them, right?”
“Yeah, apparently they like human flesh, too.”
“Could that possibly be for the purpose of taking in magic power?”
Orcs, Ogres, Cyclopes, Trolls. Among the humanoid monsters created by sorcery, Ogres are the only ones that use magic. Dune and Mel had said it before. As a result of being exposed to extremely dense magic power since it was an egg, the Black Dragon Child took in that magic power well and became like a mass of magic power. Consequently, it learns various magics quickly, and their power is incredible. It is not known how monsters learn and then chant magic. There is no incantation. However, if it’s like the shockwave of the Black Dragon Child, it would mean it’s using the magic power taken into its body rather than magic. If that’s the case, an incantation isn't necessary.
This time, everyone looked at me.
“I-I don't know. I haven't a clue.”
If even Alex didn't have a clue, it might have been too sudden.
“Jeanne, why do you think so?”
Conversely, Eleanor-sama asked me.
“It’s the same with the Fenrir, but there is no incantation. One could simply say humans and monsters are different, but when Keira uses magic, it’s not just the final utterance; it’s much longer. It seems the Demon Lord also chanted something like a spell before unleashing magic that could be called ultimate. In other words, an incantation is necessary. Also, when the Black Dragon Child uses magic other than shockwaves, an incantation was necessary. Even though it has only learned beginner magic so far, I think an incantation is still necessary, after all.”
“In other words, is it that monsters are not chanting magic, but using magic power directly? What do you think, Alex?”
This time, everyone looked at Alex.
“That might be it. However, when using magic, an incantation isn't originally necessary. That just has the effect of increasing concentration, especially in the case of the Demon Race or humans. That’s why, when bringing out one’s maximum power, you’ll fail if you don't chant. That guideline is the so-called rank classification. However, the magic used by Fenrirs and Ogres is a bit different from the magic used by humans. Magic is originally a method of using magic power to manifest various forces. It can only be activated when one can successfully create an image that can be manifested through concentration. However, the magic they use is formulaic. It lacks imagery. Rather than saying they use magic power, it might be more accurate to say they release magic power in a specific form.”
The Black Dragon Child knew almost nothing of the outside world. Therefore, it didn't know fire, water, ice, or lightning well either. As a result, it used magic in a sense-simple way: a shockwave made of solidified air, which Wyverns are good at. One could hypothesize that as well. Of course, corresponding magic control ability would be necessary. For example, when sealed with Glaciate, the B-rank Lindwurm was able to escape by releasing magic power. However, the C-rank Sea Serpent could not. Isn't the reason for that the difference in magic control ability? Because the Black Dragon Child’s magic control ability is abnormally high, it might have learned the method of forcibly solidifying air with magic power and launching it.
“That is wonderful, Jeanne. You may have come one step closer to the truth of what magic is.”
Eleanor-sama jumped at me and hugged me, but the main point wasn't the truth of magic.
“In other words, combining that with Alex’s story from earlier, does it mean Ogres eat things imbued with magic power to store magic power in their bodies?”
It was Beatrix. As expected, she understood. She said exactly what I wanted to say.
“That’s right. And you see, maybe if we use Subordination to control them and use them until they exhaust their magic power, they might become docile. If that happens... look. We might be able to coexist and co-prosper.”
As expected, it might have been too far-fetched. Everyone fell silent.
“But you know, for replenishing magic power, I can understand spirits, but why humans?”
Now that she mentioned it, it was as Beatrix said. A large-bodied boar would have more to eat and seem better for replenishment. I had completely forgotten that. However, Alex threw me a lifeline.
“Assuming Jeanne’s hypothesis is correct. Creatures that use magic have high magic power... at least it seems that way, right? So that might be why. Besides, an Ogre is E-rank. Moreover, it can only use one beginner magic... Fire Ball. In other words, it’s not that strong. So, the opponents it can win against are limited. It couldn't win even if it targeted something like a Fenrir. It would probably lose even against a boar. The ones a single Ogre can win against are low-rank magical beasts, and humans without combat techniques, or weak spirits like Goblins and Alraunes. Humans use magic. Spirits originally have high magic power. That’s why it might prefer to target weak spirits and humans. The reason it tortures them to death is probably because it has a nasty nature.”
I was disappointed by those last words. It feels like it really might be better to just annihilate them.
In the end, after a discussion between Eleanor-sama and Alex, it was decided that my proposal was worth verifying. This was because we wouldn't know unless we actually caught an Ogre and experimented.
“At worst, it might become more ferocious than usual in an attempt to replenish its magic power.”
That would be bad. If it becomes an even more atrocious existence than that, there would be no choice but to truly annihilate it.
As we continued our magic discussion, we arrived at the second layer before we knew it. This meant we didn't encounter any monsters on the stairs this time.
“The second layer is where we’re still digging for silver and Magic Stones. Though it’s quite a bit further down. Since it’s a place we use often, any monsters that get in the way of mining are thrown into the third layer below this one as soon as they’re found.”
“Then if we just go to the third layer, there’ll be plenty of monsters.”
The mage, who had only been dealing with insects that didn't earn much, was getting impatient.
“No, the struggle for survival is harsh. I don't think there are that many. Well, before that, it’s the mining site Matilda has been waiting for.”
The mining site was in the lower part of the second layer, and we had to go down vertical shafts where ladders were placed several times. Along the way, there were indeed several giant scutigera and slugs, but we handled them the same way as in the first layer. As we proceeded deeper, in the pitch blackness, I heard the sounds of clink, clink.
“Yo! You finally came. I’ve been waiting. Did you do the monster extermination properly?”
“Is it okay if I illuminate with Light?”
“I don't mind. Shine it without hesitation and take a good look at what a dwarf’s workplace is like.”
Since permission was given, I illuminated with four Fireflies without hesitation, and there were two dwarves. One held a large chisel and a hammer, and one was beside a wooden box. The wooden box was filled with many stones, presumably silver ore. There was also one pickaxe.
“I’m Matilda. If it’s alright, I’d like you to show me the tools and how to use them.”
“Oh, I’ve heard the story from my brother. Wanting a dwarf to teach you how to use tools, for a human these days, that’s quite impressive.”
I didn't know how many years “these days” referred to, but it was good that Matilda was accepted. Immediately, Matilda, clutching one Firefly, ran over.
“Whoa! Amazing, you use such a huge chisel!”
The tip was remarkably long for a chisel. It was more of a weapon than a tool. Normally, it would probably bend immediately. The grip part was also long enough to be called a wooden pole.
“Of course. With rock, there’s always a point where the chisel goes in. First, you identify that thoroughly and dig out a whole chunk.”
I didn't understand the meaning at all, so I decided to leave it to Matilda, who was sitting cross-legged and talking deeply.
“Finding the place to apply the chisel is quite difficult for humans. Even if it looks easy.”
Where Alex gestured with his chin, one dwarf was applying the tip of a long chisel to the rock as if checking the feel with little taps. Eventually, once the spot was decided, he applied the chisel to one location and held it fixed with both hands. The other one struck it with a thump of the hammer. The chisel entered the rock smoothly, as if a spear had been thrust into water. Matilda, watching up close, recoiled. No matter how you looked at it, it wasn't easy.
After repeating that process several times, this time they started striking clink, clink with the hammer. Ore came crumbling down with a clatter.
“Hmph. Not bad. We can still dig plenty around here.”
The ore they showed us after saying that had white shining spots here and there. It seemed there was high-purity silver, and low-purity silver around it. In other words, the stone itself handed over was entirely silver ore.
“In the era when the elves were digging, the technology to refine a sufficient amount with this content hadn't been established. Now we have the technology developed by dwarves. Henry-san, Eleanor-san, this place is still good to go.”
“That is truly appreciated. It is thanks to you all. We look forward to your continued support.”
“Thank you very much.”
Hearing the dwarves’ words, Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama took the hands of the three, including Alex, and thanked them.
According to Alex, a veteran’s on-site intuition is indispensable for digging ore efficiently. I didn't know how many years were required to become what a dwarf calls a veteran.
There were about two hours of time remaining. It was decided to just leave everything to Matilda, and the other members decided to head for the third layer.
Apparently, there are no stairs to the third layer. To be precise, they disappeared halfway. Instead, a giant vertical shaft gaped open. Peering in, I could see the faint yellow color of a barrier. It was a monster-repelling barrier.
When I dropped one Firefly, it reached the bottom in about the time it took to count to three. I could see a magic circle drawn there.
“It’s a barrier magic circle, isn't it?”
“That’s right. In human terms, it would be super-high class. It can block up to C-rank. As far as we know, nothing B-rank or higher should have appeared.”
“Based on the story earlier, you’re throwing everything you find in the second layer down here, right? What was there?”
When Beatrix asked, since they were ranked, it seemed that for D-rank there were not only worms, but also spiders, scorpions, snakes, centipedes, and basilisks, and for F-rank there were bats and rats, and besides those, even E-rank Orcs and Ogres. If we assume their actual rank has gone up by one due to strengthening, there would be multiple types from C-rank to E-rank.
“Alright! Let’s work hard and earn!”
Beatrix psyched herself up.