54 - Clara's Adventurer Lecture
In a small room in the library, I was talking with Clara while watching her work.
When I told her I wanted to ask her various things, she refused, saying she had work to do. True to Clara's love for books, she was currently handling a request from the library.
By offering to help her, I had obtained permission from the library and taken on the request myself to assist Clara.
Clara had been waiting in the small room when a library staff member entered carrying several books.
"Clara, could you handle these? One by one, please. It'll be for about a week."
"Yes."
A plump middle-aged woman handed three books to Clara, who immediately returned to her seat and used a skill on the three books.
"...What are you doing?"
Clara, who possessed a skill called [Reading], had mentioned that such a skill was not uncommon.
An excellent skill that allowed her to understand the contents of a book just by hovering her hand over it—.
However, she had said that she sometimes forgot the contents, and that she preferred reading books normally.
"I am reading and understanding the book. Like this—"
While reading the book with her right hand, she activated a skill with her left.
"—[Copy]."
Then, an identical book appeared.
As I watched the scene in surprise, Clara copied all three books in the same manner. She then placed a mark on the copied versions.
"...Isn't that amazing?"
When I praised the skill, the excited voice of the Third Generation echoed from the Jewel Orb.
『This girl is amazing! You say it's not amazing, but it's actually quite amazing!』
...It's true that they give better advice than the other ancestors. I'll admit they're amazing.
Clara then carried the six books out of the small room and returned immediately.
She sat down and began to read.
"This is the content of the request I've taken. We don't lend them out, but we sell simulated books that disappear after a certain amount of time. Oh, the copies are for a limited time only. Furthermore, it's a skill limited to books. I believe they can be maintained for about a week in this state."
Even if it was limited, it didn't change the fact that it was an incredible skill.
(I see, so while they don't lend them out, they can take books out for a limited time like this... I should have asked for more details.)
I regretted not asking more about the library's system, but taking books out probably cost money.
Since I frequent the library anyway, I decided not to worry about it.
Still, it was a fact that I thought Clara's skill was impressive.
"I think it's plenty amazing... is that an application of the skill?"
When I asked, Clara nodded.
"This skill is related to books. They are unified in that way. There are likely some restrictions, but the full nature of skills has yet to be completely elucidated."
As Clara explained while reading, I asked her while cleaning the small room.
"There's something I'm curious about, may I ask?"
Clara spoke without taking her eyes off the book.
"I think I know. You're wondering if Aria-san and the others can acquire specialized techniques, right? To be blunt, obtaining a level of skill equivalent to a specialist requires years of time."
Wouldn't that take a considerable amount of time? What should I do in the meantime?
I had a mountain of things I wanted to ask.
However, Clara continued.
"However, as far as Alamsars is concerned, one can achieve a certain level of results even without being a specialist."
"Even without being a specialist?"
When I asked, Clara explained in a way that was easy to understand.
"Because most of the information regarding the labyrinth and the surrounding areas that adventurers use as hunting grounds has been disclosed. Moreover, the monsters that appear in the labyrinth are predetermined. Even if slight differences arise, I don't think they'll be beyond handling."
Hearing that, a voice came from the Jewel Orb.
It was the Second Generation.
『Ah~, she told him... isn't this girl quite helpful? Her impression is far too different from her appearance and personality.』
The Fourth Generation agreed and spoke.
『Communication is essential for survival. Moreover, even if she's a solo, she's a support specialist. There's no doubt she's the type to get absorbed in things she likes.』
Did these guys know and just keep quiet?
I tried asking Clara.
"In other words, if we limit it to Alamsars..."
"It will take shape in two to three months. When adventurers decide on a home and earn a living there, it's often because they've built up a pattern for earning. They specialize in that region. While they may not reach the level of a professional specialist, they can produce a certain amount of results."
However, Clara cautioned me.
That it was merely getting the form in order, and didn't mean they had become true professional specialists.
As they gained experience, Aria and the others would likely become proficient. However, compared to a true professional, the efficiency and effectiveness would differ.
(So, to conquer it quickly, we specialize in the Alamsars labyrinth for now. Looking at the ancestors, did they know from the start?)
When I thought about the reason they kept quiet, I understood immediately.
In other words, my current behavior was not praiseworthy.
(I thought I could just ask easily, but I see... they wanted me to think for myself.)
Feeling ashamed of relying too much on Clara, I thanked her.
"I see. Thank you, Clara. Thanks to you, I've decided on a policy."
Looking at Clara, who had finished reading, I—.
(She reads fast...)
Just as I was thinking that.
"It's no problem. It seems you've noticed... also, Riel-san."
"What?"
"You seem to be in a hurry, but preparation is important in all things. As long as you don't forget that, the success rate of anything increases. That is all from me."
Having said that, Clara picked up a new book.
I headed to Damian's laboratory with Poyopoyo and consulted him there.
"...A non-humanoid golem? To give you the result, I can make it move. Though I think the quirks will be slightly different."
"I see."
Damian was deep in thought while looking at something like a blueprint in his laboratory, which had become cleaner than before.
Inside the room, Poyopoyo was facing an automaton, their eyes flashing red at each other repeatedly.
It was scary to watch.
"Anyway, is that why you came to ask? Has there been any change with the automaton, or have you noticed anything new? Since I treat both as maids basically, the reports are all similar... have you tried combat?"
What is this guy talking about?
As I thought that, the Seventh Generation spoke.
『Riel, come to think of it, didn't Poyopoyo say something? About being useful? Perhaps it can handle combat as well. After all, it's an ancient automaton.』
The Seventh Generation's appearance inside the Jewel Orb was that of a refined man in his thirties.
Imagining such a man calling it Poyopoyo almost made me burst out laughing.
Surprisingly, the name Poyopoyo was starting to stick.
"C-can it? I think it'll break."
"Why are you laughing? No, when I had it carry heavy things, it had quite a bit of strength. So I wondered how it would be..."
Damian looked at the automaton it was staring down. Then, another automaton spoke after seeing Damian's movement.
"Number Two, the Master is calling. Please stop your fruitless quarreling."
"Stop paying attention to the pitiful piece of junk and respond to the Master's request."
Looking at the automaton saying such things, I—.
"Eh? That was quarreling?"
Damian said.
"Apparently. It seems they exchange information at high speed just by looking into each other's eyes... I wonder why the ancients gave automatons such a function. It's mysterious."
Then, Poyopoyo began to tremble, and the automaton called Number Two wore a triumphant smile.
These guys are scary.
And then, it turned a pleasant smile toward Damian.
"What is it, Master?"
However, that smile seemed to have no value to Damian. Without reacting in the slightest, he spoke.
"Are you capable of combat? To what extent can you fight?"
Then, Number Two answered.
"Combat is possible, but since we are not for combat, there are limits. Since we haven't gone outside much, we have too little monster data, but I judge that we can fight without weapons around Alamsars."
I accidentally spoke up.
"Eh? Fighting monsters barehanded?"
Then, reacting to me, Poyopoyo—.
"This is why mass-produced models are no good. This Poyopoyo... is a superior existence capable of combat as a special model! If I felt like it, I could turn these mass-produced scrap heaps into junk in an instant—"
"Stop it. That's mean."
When I stopped it, Damian said.
"I'd like to see it, but if they're broken, cleaning the laboratory is a pain."
To Damian, the automatons seemed to be like housewives. No, they are maid types, so he's not wrong.
Despite being told quite harsh things, the three automatons were smirking.
"We shall make it so you cannot live without us."
"Yes, so that you become anxious when we are gone."
"The first stage is clear. Moving to the second stage."
Even when told this, Damian didn't care.
Poyopoyo was shocked by my words saying it was pitiful to the other automatons.
"...Even though I am specifically for the chicken coward. Even though I can serve the chicken coward better than anyone."
My impression was—.
"Automatons are scary."
—that.
Damian looked at me and consulted me.
"Riel, could you take this automaton outside and try some combat? I'll provide a reward, and once it gets used to it, let it challenge the labyrinth. If it's impossible, I'll give up."
At Damian's request, I looked at Poyopoyo.
It directed an expectant gaze toward me; it didn't look like the piece of junk that had been sulking until a moment ago.
(This thing is a pain.)
"Well, just to test it."
Since the other members were busy, it had been decided that I would act alone for a while.
I might as well consult Novem and try taking Poyopoyo outside.
Hearing that, Poyopoyo spoke.
"Hehehe, finally I shall take care of the chicken coward even on the battlefield. Leave it to me. Even outside, I shall prepare a full-course meal for your eyes!"
It was excessively enthusiastic, but I said.
"Eh? Easy-to-eat sandwiches are fine."
Then, a disappointed Poyopoyo—.
"I see... but please understand that I have at least that much passion... ah, also, I have a request, Perverted Professor."
At Poyopoyo calling Damian the Perverted Professor, the three automatons were glaring with their eyes glowing red.
However, Damian didn't seem to mind.
"What is it?"
"The metal the chicken coward brought, you're still keeping it, right?"
"That's right. It seemed difficult to process, so I think I have it."
Hearing that, Poyopoyo said to me.
"Chicken coward, please let me use that metal! I shall put it to more effective use than you ever could!"
It was true that I was troubled by how to handle it, but being told that made me angry.
However, complaining to this thing would get me nowhere.
"Do whatever you want."
"I shall do as I please!"
Thus, I came to learn an unexpected use for Poyopoyo.
After leaving Alamsars, I widened my eyes at the sight.
Poyopoyo, who had no weapon, pulled out a huge hammer that exceeded its own height from under its skirt.
Then, with strength unimaginable from its slender arms, it swung the huge hammer horizontally toward the monster.
The monster was blown away in a state I didn't even want to describe, but what concerned me more was where it had pulled such a hammer from—.
And the problem was that it was a material I had seen before.
"Y-you..."
"How is it? Were you surprised by my strength, chicken coward? Please leave your guarding to me from now on. That way, I can take care of the chicken coward by its side all day... oops, I'm drooling."
"You... how did you process that?"
Looking at Poyopoyo's hammer, I realized it was the armor that was the loot from the boss I fought on the fortieth basement floor.
If I believed Damian's words that processing was difficult, processing it in such a short time was a surprising feat of technology.
"...Eh? That's what surprises you? Don't you have any interest in the contents of my skirt? Are you even a boy? I think there are many other things, like being surprised by my strength, or praising me? What about my position, having envisioned many patterns of being surprised and praised?"
I looked at the monster in a terrible state, and then said with a smile.
"Do automatons have delusions? More importantly, if you don't hold back more, I won't be able to collect the materials. Think a little. But, that processing technology is amazing. Can you process it into any shape?"
Poyopoyo affirmed expressionlessly.
"Well, if it's something like that piece of wreckage from a mobile weapon... there were many parts different from the data, but the materials seem similar."
Hearing that, I put my hand to my chin and pondered.
(If that's the case, it'll work... and I can rely on Poyopoyo's strength too. I thought I needed to have someone join, but can this solve it a bit?)
There was a plan I had thought up in my own way after being told by Clara.
To execute it, Poyopoyo's strength—or rather, technology—was necessary.
I grabbed the shoulders of the expressionless Poyopoyo, who held a hammer heavy enough to sink into the ground, and said.
"You're amazing, Poyopoyo! You weren't just a disappointing automaton! I've changed my opinion of you!"
Poyopoyo, whose face gradually turned red, looked aside and said in a small voice—.
"I-it's not like I worked hard for your sake or anything. ...The time has finally come to use the line I've wanted to say."
The Third Generation spoke.
『What is this child saying?』
The Sixth Generation said.
『Perhaps we shouldn't think too deeply? Or rather, it's something incomprehensible.』
The Fifth Generation, looking cold.
『Automatons are no good. After all, wouldn't it be better to be healed by a cute animal here? Riel, for the sake of our peace, a cute animal—』
Since the previous talk about the Kirin, the Fifth Generation had remained broken.
Since it would return to normal if left alone, I decided not to worry about it.
That said, it was a good thing that Poyopoyo became motivated.
While continuing to praise it, I decided to execute the plan.
"I don't quite understand, but you're amazing."
Then, Poyopoyo began to tremble, turning red even to its ears.
"What a wonderful day this is... that the chicken coward would notice my value. However, I am dissatisfied that I am not being praised as a maid."
Taking the happy but unsatisfied Poyopoyo with me, I decided to return to the mansion.
Before that—.
"Now, I want to collect the magic stones and such... but this is quite terrible."
The ground was stained red all around, and a gruesome sight unfolded.
(A huge hammer can't be used inside the labyrinth, so it'll be fine as a luggage carrier.)
I steeled my resolve and set out to collect the magic stones and materials.