Chapter 20
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Your 【Alchemy】 level has increased.
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Afterward, I logged out once to replenish my fluids, then logged right back in. 【Alchemy】 had leveled up, but easing my 【Light Attribute Vulnerability】 still seemed a long way off. I was glad that 【Denizen of the Abyss】 reduced the damage I took, but the downside was that damage also gave me less experience toward resistance. I need to put a little more magic stone into the lamp.
"Oh, is nobody here?"
While I was logged out, it seems everyone went outside. So, what should I do? Because I'd been experimenting with 【Alchemy】, I had only a little over half my mana left. It would take a while to fully recover.
Hmm, then shall I browse the official forums? It would be a good way to kill time.
First, the general discussion thread... Whoa, it's almost entirely about Jigoro and me. The prevailing theory is that we're a flag for some event. Sorry, everyone. I'm a player.
N-next! Let's pretend I didn't see that! Yes, I haven't looked at the general discussion thread. I haven't.
Oh, is this the strategy thread? It even has boss information. Are most members of the strategy group this open? Well, I suppose they figure it's fine since it's information about bosses they've already defeated. Apparently every boss battle has a 'First Clear Bonus,' so I suppose it's all right to share the information afterward.
However, bosses are also guaranteed sources of high-quality items. There will surely be people who want to farm them, and if there are hidden bosses, some people will keep that information secret. I doubt this will remain useful forever.
Incidentally, there is no information on the boss in the field two fields away from Fars, which people seem to be currently working through. There is information about ordinary monsters, though. Let's see... What does it say? To the north, a lake stretches beyond the mountains; to the east, there's a small village, but the plains continue; to the south, there's more grassland, with only the monsters differing. To the west... a cave?
Apparently, the forest continues to the west. There's a small rocky mountain within it, and a gap in the rocks apparently leads to a cave descending underground.
Oh, could this be a chance? If I remember right, tomorrow is the day of the first official event. An arena tournament and a production-item showcase are being held, so most players should gather in Fars then. The second field is bound to be empty during that time.
If it's a cave, I should be able to go there during the day despite having 【Light Attribute Vulnerability】. I'll suggest it once everyone gets back.
Next... the arena tournament winner prediction thread. The favorite is 'Hero' Luke? Ah, that guy! Ah, but now that he lost to us, his rating's dropped. Weirdos are popping up too, and the entire forum is in a mess.
I really am sorry. I hope you show them your true strength at the tournament. Jigoro praised him, after all. They'll understand that it's not that he's weak, but that Jigoro is simply too strong.
Let's move on. Oh? The Nonhuman Thread? Is this different from the kind Iris and I encountered? Hmm, I see. They're not monsters, but ordinary animals. So monsters—the oddest of oddities—are kept separate.
In FSW, the difference between monsters and beasts—or animals—is whether they exist in the real world. With only a tiny handful of exceptions, those people start in towns. I couldn't be more jealous.
Ah, someone figured out that Jigoro is a player. Pretty perceptive. But why did he choose a fish...? Let me check the previous thread... Oh-ho, the Dragon Gate! So he aims to become a dragon by becoming a carp and climbing a waterfall. He's an even bigger challenger than I am!
Amusing people are everywhere. Let's move on. Oh, the 'Trial of the Azure Moon' thread. Some parties put up a good fight but lost, but the Hero's party cleared it? That was close. If I hadn't killed all the backliners and most of the midliners with my sneak attack at the very start, I might have died outright.
If we trust our firsthand experience and the information here, then the north has the hardcore brawler 'Moon's Fierce Tiger,' the east the tricky 'Moon's Evil Faerie,' the south 'Moon Rabbit's Shadow,' who fights by switching weapons, and the west the unorthodox boss 'Obsession with the Moon,' for whom the standard strategy is to endure in the end. Something like that.
Ah, there's a condition that your Race level be something other than 15! I didn't know that. Huh? Then wouldn't it have been easier if we'd challenged it after evolving...? N-no, stop! No one benefits from thinking that way.
Anyway, Jigoro and I have already cleared it once, so we can't take the trial again. That means the three who haven't challenged it yet will probably go. If they challenge it, which one would be best?
Iris may be slow, but she can throw enemies off with her tough defense and freely manipulating tentacles. I wonder what the other two fight like.
Genjuro stops enemies with the threads he spits, then attacks mainly by biting them with his surprisingly strong jaws or body-slamming them. Ruby is a terrifying predator who uses Skill-enhanced speed to close the distance in an instant, then envelops and devours her enemies.
These are the two I saw while Jigoro and I were bringing them here. They both seem rather accustomed to fighting. They'll be more than adequate as combatants.
But a trio consisting of a tank who can also attack from mid-range, a disruptor who can attack from mid-range as well, and a skirmisher... I can't exactly call that balanced. They're too specialized in restraining enemies, so they seem lacking in firepower.
Should they make up for that with skill, or should they evolve once first...? Well, I'm sure it'll work out somehow. They'll probably take on the challenge, so I'll have to cheer them on.
What else looks interesting...? The Tamed Monster Thread? Ah, they're showing off monsters they've tamed with 【Taming】, not 【Summoning】. Is it sort of like having pets? I've never kept a pet, nor have I ever wanted one, so I can't relate.
Oh, some people dote on their summoned creatures too? Hmm. In my case, they're all Undead, and I don't have any particular attachment to them, so I can't help but treat them as servants without a second thought. Unlike tamed monsters, there are countless replacements for them.
Besides, one of my trump cards is a suicidal attack using 【Necromancy】. These people would probably go berserk if they saw how I fight.
That should do it. It's lucky that no one has found this sewer yet. We can have the hunting grounds all to ourselves in the meantime.
However, we can't stay here forever. Someday we'll have to leave and settle somewhere new. I'd like to get a proper base if possible.
"Rustle rustle (I'm back)."
"Squish squish (I'm back)!"
Oh, they seem to be back. Judging by their voices, it's Iris and Ruby. I'm glad they seem to be having fun.
"Welcome back. How was the hunt?"
"Rustle rustle (It went smoothly)!"
"Squish squish (Perfect)!"
Summarizing what they told me, this pair apparently work well together. Iris restrains enemies with her tentacles, then Ruby attaches herself to their defenseless faces and suffocates them. That's their standard tactic. It let them dispatch Lesser Ratmen with ease, and apparently they even took down a lone Ratman. Impressive efficiency.
Since that's how they fight, the levels of the three-part surprise attack set—【Stealth】, 【Sneak】, and 【Ambush】—apparently rose several times. Iris also earned the Title 'Master Catcher,' while Ruby earned 'Assassin.'
Things really do seem to be going smoothly. If I joined them, what should I do? I could strengthen them with 【Enhancement】 while weakening enemies with 【Curse Arts】, or simply provide magical covering fire. However, if I attack too aggressively, the enemies will focus on me, so holding back would also be important.
"Ggyagya (I'm back)."
"Click clack (I'm back)."
The men seem to have returned too. The mood isn't bad. If anything, Jigoro seems almost excited. What could have happened?
When I asked them about it, Genjuro seemed to be much stronger than expected. His only means of attack were his threads and jaws, but he used his threads skillfully to wrap up enemies, then bit through their necks—a gruesome method that let him dispatch Lesser Ratmen one after another. He'd even managed to defeat a Ratman alone, apparently earning the Title 'Overthrower,' which I also possess, and 'Ruthless Tyrant,' which Jigoro possesses.
Could this old man be one of the real-life cheat players, just like Jigoro...? No, let's not think about it.
"Perfect timing. Now that we're all here, I'd like to make a proposal. Open party chat."
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Izam: So, I propose that we defeat the boss to the west of Fars tonight, in real-world time, and explore the cave beyond it tomorrow morning. If anyone has questions or objections, feel free to speak up.
Jigoro: Hmm, I'm torn.
Genjuro: Indeed.
Iris: Huh? Why?
Ruby: Isn't this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
Izam: If there was something I overlooked, I'd like you two to tell me.
Jigoro: It's not that I have a problem with Izam's plan. It's just...
Genjuro: We want to watch the arena tournament. Watching strong fighters is educational even if all you do is observe.
Izam: I see. Since we can't go to the venue, you want to watch the live broadcast in-game at least?
Jigoro: That's right.
Izam: Hmm. I want to respect my companions' wishes. Then shall we drop the plan for now? It wouldn't be fun to force you.
Jigoro: Sorry about this. I got selfish.
Genjuro: My apologies, Izam-kun.
Ruby: Ah, wait! What about a recording?
Jigoro: A recording?
Genjuro: Is that possible?
Iris: Um, recording is a default feature in recent games. And FSW has lots of VR streamers.
Ruby: So I think we'll be able to watch all the matches afterward.
Izam: I had no idea...
Jigoro: So it has a feature like that?
Genjuro: Streamers, you say? I thought that had gone out of fashion for a while. Is it popular again?
Ruby: You men are so technologically illiterate!
Iris: R-Ruby-chan...
Jigoro: Urgh, I can't argue with that!
Genjuro: Ruby, could you be a little more considerate of your grandpa?
Izam: A-anyway! If a recording will do, are we agreed on defeating the boss and exploring the cave, you two?
Jigoro: Yeah, works for me.
Genjuro: A cave that no one has fully explored yet...? My heart sings!
Izam: Then, with everyone in agreement, let's proceed. It's a little after noon in real-world time, so we have plenty of time. I'll make as many healing potions and poison potions as I can. And, Iris?
Iris: Yes? What is it?
Izam: I'd like you to make equipment for everyone, as well as tents for camping. Sunlight will kill me, after all. It's just a precaution.
Iris: Understood!
Izam: The other three should gather items from the forest west of here and the sewer. We need materials to craft items, after all.
Jigoro: Leave it to me.
Genjuro: Very well.
Ruby: We'll bring back tons!
Izam: Thank you. Then, dismissed!
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Thus, I begin working on 【Alchemy】 with the goal of using up all the materials I have on hand. I already seem to have enough healing potions, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Especially since none of us can use healing spells.
Healing spells can only be acquired by taking a Cleric-type Job. Our party consists of one mage, two warriors, one scout, and one crafter—not a single cleric.
So, aside from healing potions, natural healing is our only means of recovery. That's why we absolutely can't allow ourselves to run short of healing potions. You can see why I'm working so desperately to make them, right?
As for poison potions, the presence of two people skilled at restraining enemies—Iris and Genjuro—and an assassin named Ruby has greatly increased their value in my eyes. Iris should be able to use poison potions with one tentacle while restraining an enemy with another, and Ruby ought to be able to make enemies drink them while attached to their faces. They'd be useless against enemies immune to status ailments, but there's no harm in having them.
With that in mind, I busily mass-produce healing potions and poison potions. I worked mindlessly for a while, but then someone suddenly tapped me on the shoulder.
"What is it, Iris?"
"Um! I'm going to make armor, so please let me take your measurements!"
Ah, she's finally gotten around to making armor. Even if you have the Skill to make weapons and armor, apparently at first you can only refine the metal and process the leather needed as preparation. She'd said her immediate goal was to raise her level until she could actually craft things, but it seems that's already become possible.
"I see. Then I should take off my robe, right?"
"Y-yes! Please!"
"Taking off my equipment... There, is this good?"
"Aaaah!"
Iris is panicking after seeing me, practically naked except for rags. Um, I may be a little dark, but I'm just a skeleton, you know? Normally, people would be frightened or creeped out, not embarrassed. She really is a little unusual.
"Then I'll measure you! Don't move!"
"Sure, go ahead."
Iris measures my size with her own tentacles rather than a measuring tape. I had no idea tentacles could be used that way... It really drives home how important ingenuity is.
"Whew, I'm finished. So, what kind of armor would you like, Izam?"
"Hmm, let's see..."
I am basically a backliner. In that case, getting hit would be rare—or rather, if I'm in a situation where I get hit, defeat is probably unavoidable. So rather than defense, I'd prefer equipment that doesn't hinder my movement in the slightest, and, if possible, grants resistance to Light Attribute and boosts the effects of magic.
When I told her what I wanted, Iris thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Light Attribute resistance is impossible for now, but I think I can give your magic a slight boost. I'll give it a try."
"Thank you. I'm looking forward to it."
It's wonderful having a companion nearby who handles all our crafting. At last, I'll be able to wear decent equipment under my robe. She said she wanted to repay me, but it seems I'll be the one relying on her from now on. I should think of some way to repay her.