Chapter 9: Bear
I encountered a horned tanuki and a civet, but I moved on without any issues. They’re not the type of beasts that actively attack people.
I sensed the presence of a bear. I couldn’t tell if it had horns or not, but it felt stronger than the ordinary bear from earlier. For now, I’ll cast a spell and if it seems completely ineffective, I’ll use [Teleportation] to escape. With that thought in mind, I headed toward the source of the presence.
“‘Wind Slash’!”
Magic is cast by enveloping my magic power with the appropriate attribute. I visualize the spell I want to use and draw out the necessary attribute.
Thanks to the games I played back in Japan, it’s easy for me to form an image, and I was taught a straightforward method to draw out attributes.
It seems there’s no concept of levels in this world, but defeating demon beasts allows me to absorb the remnants of the Spirit’s Power that were attached to them, making me stronger. However, since I’m influenced by the Spirit’s personality and attributes, if I keep defeating them with a weak mind, I might end up becoming a demon beast myself.
But that doesn’t concern me since I have [Mental Resistance]. As soon as I caught sight of the bear with horns, I unleashed my magic.
It seems that with body enhancement, all attributes are created. However, the fire from Van’s protection, the earth and tranquility from Rudil, the earth from Pal, the plants from Kadal, the water and healing from Ish, the light and wind from Mishto, the light from Haralfa, and the ice and darkness from Rishu are all enhanced.
The result?
It went smoothly. Good, good, that’s nice. Next, let’s try using my sword.
I had no trouble defeating it with my sword, and I continued to progress through the forest. It seems that people who can use magic are rare, so I’ll stick to using my sword here where I might encounter others. My dilemma is what to do with the defeated enemies. For now, I’ve stored them in [Storage], but when I sell them at the Merchant Guild, I can only bring one at a time.
The bear demon beast has innards that can be used for stamina-boosting medicine. Its hide fetches a good price as armor material, and the meat is decent too. I guess I’ll have to sell it in small portions.
Going in and out of the town, I’ve started to find it tedious to check in at the inn and leave a trace every time.
Taking advantage of how easy it is to return, I wandered around and stumbled upon a spring. Water was bubbling up, but it quickly sank into the ground and disappeared, so it was only about the size of a puddle.
The water was incredibly clear, and the sand, likely washed by it for a long time, sparkled beautifully. Moss spread around the area, creating a rather nice scene.
Alright, it’s time to sell the bear and head back. But first, I pulled out a horned bear and opened the bag I had wrapped around it. It wouldn’t fit all the way in, so what should I do…? Well, it’s fine if it’s sticking out a bit.
I used [Teleportation] to get to the edge of the forest and then walked to the town.
“You’re surprisingly impressive for your face,” the gatekeeper said with an exasperated look, but it can’t be helped if it doesn’t fit. —It’s just that a bear’s leg is sticking out from the bag on my back.
“Did you come dressed like that?” I was asked when I headed straight to the Merchant Guild’s buying counter.
“I thought it was better than walking around exposing a clean cut,” I replied, as the head and body were neatly separated.
“Sorry, but could you unload it over here?” The clerk asked me to lower the bear in the workshop behind the counter.
“Oh, this is good. We can use all of the hide. You’re not just strong; you’ve got some skill too. Just wait a moment.”
The bear was being hoisted and disassembled by three people. Half an hour is about thirty minutes, and a quarter of an hour is about fifteen minutes.
“By the way, is there anywhere I can learn how to make potions?”
“Huh? If it’s potions, the guild next door has recipes. The Apothecary Guild, or rather, the Magic Potion side of it? Some recipes are only handled by specific guilds or individuals, but most of the knowledge they want to spread is usually entrusted to the Merchant Guild.”
Oh, so there’s such a convenient system.
“I’ll just head next door for a bit. I’ll sell everything for appraisal,” I said, receiving a receipt and promptly heading next door.
I told the guide my purpose and was directed to the appropriate counter. There was a counter with shelves filled with documents behind it.
“Excuse me, I’d like to buy a potion recipe. Also, could I get a list of the recipes available for purchase?”
I got the potion recipe, but I didn’t receive a list. Instead of a couple of sheets of paper, it was a whole bundle. It covered a wide range, from cooking to brick-making methods. It doesn’t seem to be patented, but it felt very much like handling cooking recipes.
The potion recipe was simple. Herb, Blessed Water, and a creator who can infuse magic power. I’ve already gathered the herbs, and the water should be fine from my house…?
It seems that recipes other than the beginner potion are handled by the Alchemy Guild. I’ll check it out after I receive payment for the bear.
I can use healing magic to treat injuries, and I can also use the more versatile [Healing] to cure diseases, but if that gets out, it might become bothersome. It seems tedious to hide my strength, so I’ll be open about it, but I want to pretend that I’m treating injuries with potions. Plus, potions seem like they’ll sell for a good price.
In this world, there are quite a few physically strong individuals. Spirits that govern physical strength often grant blessings, wanting to show off their power. Those who can use magic are fewer, and among them, some have weak magic power or lack attributes, making those who can actually fight even rarer.
It seems that those who can’t use magic but possess magic power become alchemists. However, just because someone can use magic doesn’t mean they’re good at manipulating magic power, so it’s not guaranteed that mages can also do alchemy.
Now, what about me? I think I’ll be fine.
“Hey, I found a magic stone. Want to take a look?”
“Sure,” I replied as I returned to the disassembly area, excited about my first magic stone!
I had imagined it to be about the size of a ping pong ball, but contrary to my expectations, it was quite small. It was smaller than the stone on my sister’s ring—she’s a bit of a show-off, so the stones on her rings and necklaces were probably larger than average. So, is this normal?
I held the tiny red gemstone, smaller than my pinky nail, and gazed at it.
“This is a Red Spinel. The redder the Spinel, the more valuable it is. Congratulations.”
“Thanks?” I said, still unsure of its value.
It seems that spirits attached to demon beasts that cause a ruckus often crystallize into red gemstones. The stronger they are, the deeper the color.
Magic stones are a type of gemstone, but unlike ordinary gemstones, they are imbued with magic power. They can be used as materials for medicines or in magic. They’re often used as accessories to show off as well. Even engagement rings, though small, are said to be magic stones.
“Is it okay to sell this too? With its size and color, it should be able to use strong fire magic, right?”
“Yeah, selling it is fine,” I replied. I can use magic even without the stone.
With my pockets feeling a bit heavier, I quickly gathered my tools to head back. Given that this town has many battles with demon beasts, there’s a high demand for equipment, and I was able to gather everything quickly. I sold one bear’s worth, after all.
Making potions was a breeze, showcasing the Japanese knack for craftsmanship. I’ve got the talent, so I’d be disappointed if I couldn’t do it.
Hmm, I want a room for mixing potions. The smell of herbs is a bit bothersome.