kscans

Chapter 131 - Support in the World Tree

Hayato and Esha set foot on the eleventh floor of the World Tree.

On the tenth floor, the Elves and Dwarves were holding back Agres's group. Hayato had told them how to fight the pair, and Esha had created a diversion. Thanks to that, they seemed to be regarded as allies, but the situation hadn't improved enough for them to win just yet.

Hayato knew he had to support them somehow so they could win. But there were parts of the situation he still didn't quite understand. He decided he needed to confirm those first.

"Esha, sorry to ask, but could you ask the people around here what they're protecting in this World Tree? It looks like there are a lot of Elves and Dwarves on this floor too."

"I can do that, but what will you be doing, Master?"

"I'm going to ask if I can provide support with weapons and armor. The equipment of the people fighting seems weak. I think we can manage if I make them better gear."

"I think their equipment is normal. It's the weapons and armor you make that are abnormal, Master. In any case, I understand. I will confirm the situation."

"I'm counting on you."

Hayato parted with Esha and approached a Dwarf who seemed to be a little better equipped.

"Um, excuse me. I'd like to help somehow, but I'm a production class and can't fight. I can make various things, is there anything I can do?"

In most works of fiction, Dwarves are said to be skilled blacksmiths. This game was no different. If he were to approach this Dwarf with an offer like, "Your equipment is weak, so let me make some for you," he couldn't complain even if he were thrown off this floor. So he spoke humbly.

"Oho, is that so! We're in a bit of a bind, actually!"

According to the Dwarf, someone had recently broken into the armory and destroyed their weapons and armor. Furthermore, it seemed a medicine that caused metal to decay had been used, so their supply of usable metal was extremely limited.

Hayato surmised that someone from the hardline faction had probably snuck in. The hardline dragons didn't just fight with brute force. This was likely part of their strategy.

(It's a relief that Pat-san and the others are pinned down somewhere else. It would have been dangerous if they were here with Agres.)

That aside, they were currently in a state where they couldn't even stop Agres and the Thunder Dragon, Od Base. They had to get their equipment in order. But there was no metal here for materials. Even Hayato couldn't create something from nothing.

"I can't make anything without materials..."

"You're a production class who can do anything, right? Then there should be materials right over there."

"Right over there?"

"This is the World Tree. There's plenty of lumber to be had, so just use that to make us some weapons and armor. We Dwarves don't have Woodworking Skill, so it'd be a great help if you could make us gear from the World Tree."

"Um, are you sure? It's the World Tree, you know?"

"Normally it wouldn't be allowed, but this is an emergency. I'll give you permission. Show this to one of the fellas with an axe and ask them."

The Dwarf took out a piece of paper and wrote something on it. He handed it to Hayato.

Written on the paper was "World Tree Logging Permit," and it was signed with what appeared to be the Dwarf's name.

(World Tree Lumber is a super rare item you can only get by doing a ridiculously tedious quest... Is it really okay to use it?)

Despite the situation, Hayato was feeling a craftsman's excitement. He had an unlimited supply of a rare item. His spirits were quite high.

He immediately found a Dwarf with an axe, showed him the logging permit, and had him start logging.

The sight of him swinging an axe at the wall seemed problematic in the current situation, but apparently, something like this wouldn't destroy the World Tree.

After putting the logged World Tree lumber into his item bag, he had a thought. He had to figure out what to make in the first place.

He went to confirm with the well-dressed Dwarf from before.

"Then, for the Dwarves, make them Wood Armor and Wood Shields for defense. And for the Elves, staves for magic, and bows and arrows. According to your information, we'll need both physical and attribute attacks to damage those two. It would be best for us Dwarves to take their attacks while the Elves attack with bows and magic."

Hayato nodded in understanding and immediately got to work. However, bows and arrows required bowstrings and bird feathers, respectively. He had some in his base storage, but not in his item bag right now.

"Sorry to keep bothering you, but do you happen to have any bowstrings and bird feathers?"

"Those are in the armory. It seems even the intruders didn't destroy those. Use as many as you want."

The Dwarf gave instructions to another Dwarf, who brought him the materials.

With his materials gathered, Hayato took out his favorite saw. Then he began making weapons and armor one after another.

Cries of admiration rose from those around Hayato.

It didn't mean anything in particular, but Hayato was fast at selecting from the menu when using his production skills. It could only be described as a mere acrobatic feat, but he amazed the onlookers by creating various weapons and armor in a fluid, synchronized motion.

Furthermore, the rainbow effect that signified a five star creation appeared often. He didn't have any equipment that increased his five star rate, but perhaps because he was using the rare World Tree material, he was creating five star weapons and armor at a considerable rate.

"Everyone, please equip whatever you like. Also, I need more materials."

Hayato continued to create items even while talking.

There was a minor incident where Elves and Dwarves fought over the five star gear, but eventually, almost every member on this floor was equipped.

The well-dressed Dwarf approached Hayato, laughing.

"You're incredible! I never thought you'd be able to equip everyone!"

"But there are some people with three star equipment, right? The five star rate is high, so shall I try again?"

"What are you talkin' about? Three stars is more than enough. I mean, this five star Wood Armor I'm wearing even has a 10% damage reduction effect. That's unbelievable. To be honest, I'm going to treasure this as my main piece of equipment."

"Well, thank you. But we should be prepared just in case."

"You're an interesting human. Well, anyway, this is enough. We don't intend to let those two pass, but you all should go further up and take shelter."

Being told "you all," Hayato finally noticed. Esha had returned.

"I thought I heard a commotion, and it seems everyone was surprised by your skill, Master. It would be wonderful if you could make me a chocolate parfait at that speed."

"Even if I could, I wouldn't. By the way, did you find anything out?"

"I've heard the story. This World Tree has thirty floors in total, and on the fifteenth floor, there is something called the Spirit Core, which is the source of the World Tree. If it's destroyed, the World Tree will cease to function. It seems it's also possible to stop its functions by simply attacking it from the outside, but this way is easier. Oh, and right now, the Elf Queen, the Dwarf King, and the spirits are protecting it."

Hayato nodded, understanding.

It was only a guess, but destroying that Spirit Core was Agres's objective.

Right now, there were no players other than Hayato and Esha inside the World Tree. They probably hadn't targeted it before. That's why there were no players defending it.

They were obstructing Pat's group at the locations of materials needed for poison and paralysis cure potions, and they had also destroyed weapons and corroded metals beforehand.

It was highly likely they attacked this time because they judged they could win.

Just as Hayato thought that, Agres's group came running up the stairs.

"There you are, you bastards! Let's settle this!"

"We are your opponents!"

The Dwarves moved to surround Agres's group. The Dwarves only held up their shields, not attacking. From behind them, the Elves attacked with bows and magic. Bows with physical attacks for Agres, and magic attacks using staves for the Thunder Dragon.

With attacks targeting their weaknesses, Agres's group seemed to be struggling considerably.

"Damn, what's with these guys! They're way stronger than the ones on the floor below!?"

Agres cried out in surprise. Hayato's crafted equipment was having an effect, but Agres was unaware of the circumstances.

"Now, Master. I think it will be fine here, but let's go to the upper floor just in case."

"You're right, there's no point in staying here. Let's go up."

"Hey! Are you running away!"

Agres's words reached Hayato's ears, but he headed for the stairs leading up without replying. He figured that ignoring him would be the greatest provocation.

"We are your opponents!"

"Guh! Ah!? Dammit..."

A Dwarf's Shield Bash weapon skill connected, knocking Agres back and sending him flying toward the stairs. Agres couldn't regain his footing and went tumbling down the stairs.

He probably wouldn't feel pain, but it looked painful, Hayato thought, as he continued his move to the upper floor.