That Time a Shut-in for 300 Years Continued to Make Antiques , but All of It Turned out to Be Cheat-Level Magic Tools - Chapter 37

On the way, some odd thugs hassled us, but after dispatching them, we returned to the Mage’s Guild.

“I’m back.”

“Ah, Edson-kun.”

“Welcome home, Master.”

Mei greeted us. Alecto was sitting at a round table, sipping tea and nibbling on baked treats—the table, likely prepared by Mei, whom I had asked to procure missing items for the guild.

Upon a closer look, the building had indeed become much cleaner. The exterior, previously shabby, had transformed significantly just by cleaning and replacing the signboard.

Of course, the interior was spotless too. No cobwebs or dust to be seen. The location was initially dreadful, and its appearance matched.

“At least we must improve the appearance. Both being dreadful would be the worst.”

“Yet, you seem quite relaxed.”

“How harsh! I was intensely studying just before this!”

“Studying hard is worthless if it doesn’t yield results. How about it, Mei?”

“Yes, my knowledge about magical tools is adequate, and I manage to apply it well. However, comparing myself to you, Master, is like comparing heaven and earth.”

“How harsh! Mei-san, you are quite strict too.”

“Of course. We can’t afford to waste time on such elementary spells. Mei has to be strict.”

“But, look at this, and you might change your opinion of me!”

Alecto dramatically presented a sheet of paper inscribed with a spell formula. This paper was a Magic Seer, visualizing the embedded magical power.

Merely writing the formula is insufficient for constructing a spell; it requires the infusion and stabilization of magical power.

In fact, the process of constructing a spell on a magical tool is often called “scribe.”

First, I reviewed the activation formula Alecto showed. Unlike regular magic that constructs in a single flow, magical tools must allow everyone to use the same effect indiscriminately.

Hence, special care is needed. Magical tool spells are broadly categorized into activation, effect, stop, and condition formulas.

Naturally, any defect in these makes the tool faulty. If the activation formula fails, the tool can’t function; a mismatched effect formula won’t produce the expected result; a flawed stop formula would leave the tool continuously active.

Conditions impact activation, effect, and stop. An error here might cause the tool to malfunction or abruptly stop working.

What Alecto had crafted was an activation formula, the initial part of a magical tool. Ordinarily, one would also simultaneously work on effect and condition formulas, but since the tool’s design is clear, he’s learning step by step—

“Sigh, it’s still lacking. The formula contains superfluous elements, and your method of infusing magic is rough. Were you actually proud of this amateurish attempt? 25 points.”

“25 points!”

His face fell, glasses slipping. Then he groaned, sat back down, and started devouring the baked treats—his appetite remains admirable.

“Mei, isn’t this treatment too lenient for such performance?”

“I apologize. However, he was nearly steaming from the head, so continuing would have been inefficient.”

That’s somewhat understandable. Mind-intensive tasks don’t improve simply by persisting. Sugar benefits brain fatigue. I, too, often found myself unknowingly eating Mei’s prepared sweets during my research.

I might as well take one from the plate and try it.

“Hmm, however, Mei’s sweets are delightful.”

“Thank you very much. It brings me great joy to please you, Master.”

Mei smiled. A beautiful face indeed enhances a smile. Despite being a magic doll and maid, it’s still slightly thrilling.

“But at this pace, when will you manage?”

“Don’t worry! I’ll be able to construct it within a month!”

“Too slow! Do it in three days.”

“Whaaaaat? That’s impossible in three days! I’m not a dwarf!”

“Stop complaining.”

Incidentally, the tale that dwarfs can complete such tasks in three days started long ago, spreading after someone claimed that dwarfs could do it if asked.

Of course, it varies among dwarfs. While some can craft simple items in less than three days, more complex ones take longer. Yet, due to this tale, disappointment arises when it’s known that it can’t be done in three days.

“Master, I think three days might be a bit too stringent for me as well.”

“Hmm, alright then, make it six days.”

“Six days…”

“That’s right. Think about it. Three days have now doubled to six? You’ve been granted twice the leeway. This should be doable, right?”

“Uh, yes! Hearing it that way, I feel like I can manage!”

He’s rather simple. Despite initially requesting a month, now it’s significantly reduced.

“By the way, Master. While we’ve settled the spell formula, what about the materials?”

“Ah, indeed, we’ll need to procure those locally as well.”

Materials are crucial not only for the spell formulas but also for the vessels of the magical tools themselves. In the case of a magic bag, it’s the bag itself that matters, not just any bag, but one with a core suitable for inscribing spells.

Now, where to procure these…

“Is this the Magic Guild?”

Just then, the guild’s entrance door swung open, and a man stepped in, posing his question.

A bald man with a congenial smile, clad in a flowing red robe, approached. He appeared to be well over fifty, by human years.

“Hey, Alecto.”

“Eh? Ah, yes! This is indeed the Magic Guild.”

He remains somewhat disappointing.

Nevertheless, this woman is currently in charge of this guild, so she must handle incoming guests properly.

Usually, a receptionist would take care of this.

“I was a bit lost initially, but the signboard helped me find this place.”

The recent facade improvements had an immediate effect. Perhaps, eventually, a magical guide tool would be beneficial.

“I’m glad you made it. What can I do for you?”

“Well, actually, I’d like to request a job. It involves collecting magical herbs. Would you be able to take it on?”

“Magical herb collection! But why come here?”

“Hmm, did you perhaps consult that herbalist?”

Curious, I inquired further.

“Eh? Oh, yes, that’s right, I did speak with that herbalist.”

“I see. You were referred by Tōrō.”

“Yes, exactly! It was the herbalist Tōrō.”

“Eh? Tōrō? Ro, muguu!”

Mei quickly covered Alecto’s mouth as he was about to blurt out something unnecessary.

Now, it was clear this man was not just any ordinary client.

“But isn’t collecting magical herbs typically a job for the Adventurers’ Guild?”

“That’s true, but the Adventurers’ Guild is currently overwhelmed with requests. That’s why, after hearing about the Aloy herbs from the Magic Guild, I thought it might be possible to ask here.”

I see. That’s a reasonable point. If it’s just as he says, there shouldn’t be any problems.

“And what exactly is the request?”

“Yes, I would like you to collect a magical herb known as ‘Esuihhi.’ It grows at the summit of Vinel Mountain a few times a year.”

“I see. But for what purpose do you need this herb?”

“Are you familiar with Esuihhi?”

“No, I’m not aware of it.”

“Well, it turns out that Esuihhi is considered effective against a certain severe disease, and my granddaughter is currently suffering from this ailment, urgently needing the medicine made from it…”

“Puh! We’ll accept the job!”

“Eh?”

As Alecto regained his speech, he exclaimed, though a bit prematurely.

“Your daughter is struggling, right? Given the circumstances, we must take on this task!”

“Really? Thank you so much!”

“Wait, we should discuss the fee.”

“Eh? But, your daughter is in a dire state…”

“Nevertheless, a request is a request.”

“Oh no!”

“No, you are right to mention it. Of course, I will compensate. Would 500 silver coins per bundle suffice?”

“500 silver coins?”

“Yes, ideally, I would go myself, but the mountain isn’t particularly perilous. However, wolves are known to roam the path to the summit, and I have prepared the formal request accordingly.”

It seems there’s no significant danger, then.

“So, what will you do?”

“We’ll definitely take it!”

She’s incredibly straightforward. Yet, knowing his misrepresentation of Esuihhi could be precisely what we need.

“Thank you for accepting the request. I apologize for the sudden nature of this, but the sooner you can gather it, the better…”

“Ah, understood. We’ll get on it right away.”

After attentively listening to the request and receiving the formal document, the man exited the guild.

Well then, let’s get this request underway.