Chapter 147: Popcorn
Diamonds burn, as they are made of carbon. Once they exceed a certain temperature, they suddenly glow a bright red and then poof, they vanish. It’s a bit amusing.
In my original world, diamonds boast the highest hardness, but they have a surprisingly weak molecular structure. If you strike them at the right spot, they can shatter easily.
I’ve heard that glass breaks because countless tiny scratches form on its surface when it cools and solidifies. So, I decided to push the strong properties of diamonds against their own flaws.
Of course, I need windows, but I also want to create a greenhouse. Considering the purpose, I’ll need quite a bit of material. For growing mangoes and bananas, perhaps… If I attach it to the house like a sunroom, I might be able to cut the amount in half.
With that in mind, I diligently get to work. It would be nice if someone could help me out, just as Kadal had suggested. Maybe I should prioritize getting the materials I sold to be used for this project.
I’m feeling a bit defeated.
“You’re starting something strange,” Van said, peering curiously at the orange glass floating in the crucible. The Gods have a way of appearing out of nowhere, which always surprises me.
Come to think of it, he has a fire attribute. Unlike other Spirits, Haralfa and Van don’t often show themselves here.
Since he seemed interested, I asked for a bit of help. It was unexpected when he began pulling the still-orange glass with his bare hands, but it was incredibly helpful.
“You’re quite demanding of others…” Van remarked before disappearing, having taken a liking to the diamonds just before they were about to ignite.
It seemed he had found his first favorite food (?), and he was in high spirits. I have no idea what it tastes like. He mentioned he would come back, but this is the most expensive taste I’ve encountered so far! I need to keep the diamonds cheap…
But wait, is this world one where diamonds can be made from pencil lead? I should do a bit of research. Van was tossing the diamonds into his mouth without even needing to put them in the crucible, so it didn’t take much effort.
Later, I carefully transported the things I had made to an empty house on the island, completing my task. The island’s population has increased; it’s temporary, but it has doubled.
The stonemasons and carpenters are busy setting up their own homes, and more craftsmen will gradually join them. Since they’re already making improvements, I’ve also asked them to set up toilets and sewers. The islanders have taken a break from fishing and are actively involved in transporting food from Naruadeid, assisting the craftsmen, and doing the groundwork.
“You’re good at managing people.”
“There was a model to follow.”
“It’s probably a reaction to the previous sense of stagnation. Plus, they’re diligent and persistent.”
Gin has a rather unsociable expression, but he’s still holding the paper bag of popcorn I brought. He doesn’t seem to mind tossing it into his mouth.
Soon, Kin and Gin will discuss my hopes with the carpenters and stonemasons who have seen the site, negotiating the balance between my designs and reality. They’ve walked around the island to familiarize themselves with the terrain, and since the basic structure remains like that of an old fortress, I hope there won’t be any major changes.
After confirming the progress and replenishing funds, I leave the island. I try to avoid meeting the craftsmen as much as possible, so I don’t linger. The two of them seem busy with meetings with the craftsmen, purchasing materials, and negotiating with merchants.
While they’re busy, I asked them to buy any cheap diamonds they find. Then, I pushed my troubles onto them and headed northeast.
I teleported into the forest, defeating demon beasts as I went, stopping occasionally to name the Spirits. This is basically my routine.
The forest shifts from broadleaf trees to conifers. It’s cold, but it seems there isn’t much snowfall, as the snow isn’t piled up too high. When I think of the north, I imagine deep snow, but it seems it doesn’t accumulate to two or three meters; it just doesn’t melt.
Speaking of which, Japan is one of the world’s snowiest regions. I wonder if it can get any deeper than that?
I walk across a lake covered in thick ice, with cracks formed by the expansion of the ice creating white patterns. It’s beautiful, but there’s no sign of life, just Spirits flitting about.
The Ice Spirit, the Spirit of Sleep, and the Cold Spirit. The colors of the Spirits match the lake’s icy hue, a blend of white and a somewhat translucent black. I feel like I’m entering a world devoid of color.
The demon beasts I was fighting earlier have also vanished, leaving me to shiver in the cold as I walk on the ice. The thickness of the transparent ice blends with the lake’s color, making it hard to tell, but judging by the white cracks, it seems to be taller than me.
The lake is deep, dark, and bottomless. It wouldn’t be surprising if some demon beast lived there—though in this case, it’s more of a vague fear than a tangible demon from this world. Nature is beautiful, but it’s also frightening.
Since it’s cold, I’ll teleport back home.
“Rishu~” I said, rubbing my hands against Rishu’s chest, or maybe I should say squeezing? Home really is nice.
“Thank you.” I took off my cold-weather gear and brushed off the ice that had formed around my neck from my breath, and the Fire Spirit inside jumped into the fireplace.
If I was cold, the Fire Spirit must have been cold too. Should I have channeled a bit more magic power? But if I send too much, it’ll catch fire, so it’s tricky.
I dry my clothes by the fireplace and warm myself by the fire. I brew some coffee and take a moment to relax.
The demon beasts that appeared at the edge of the lake weren’t too powerful, but they did use magic. I’ve been dealing with brute-force demon beasts until now, but it seems it’s about time I learned some other fighting methods.
Maybe I should cut some ice for summer? But first, I need to appraise whether the water from that lake is drinkable.