Chapter 87.2 - The First Year at the Academy - Birthday Celebration (2)

Chapter 87.2 - The First Year at the Academy - Birthday Celebration (2)

Ted and the others have left my side and are currently gathering mainly in the shallow parts of the grasslands and forests.

They're struggling to find materials, but at least I don't have to worry about food expenses. There are still Bournis lurking around the vicinity of Selene, after all.

They hibernate in fallen trees, tree cavities, and deep thickets.

They can hunt them safely.

While the farmers might find them a nuisance, it's a good source of income for Ted and the others.

Elfimia occasionally accompanies them, helping with Lola's work and receiving suitable monsters from her. It might be too much assistance, but thanks to that, I've been able to focus on my affairs.

As for the large snake with traces that Gemma found, there hasn't been any progress.

If it weren't for Elphimia, I might have continued accompanying them for a while longer.

According to Rebecca, it's a monster called Meluga, a large snake with a higher digestive capacity than ordinary animals.

Its strength is equivalent to a lower C-rank, making it a powerful creature in the Selen vicinity.

I was asked to report if I found any new traces of it.

Ted and the others have several sources of income. From selling potions from Lola, selling surplus materials, rewards for defeating Bornis, delivering General Tea, and the fee for alchemy solution exchange.

It seems like a sufficient amount, but it's still quite challenging.

They're storing the potions instead of selling them, and they have little surplus materials.

The price for Bornis is quite low.

They're also gradually buying tools, so no matter how much they have, it never seems enough.

That's why when the idea of alchemy solution exchange was proposed, they immediately jumped on it.

It was a relief for me to be able to rely on someone trustworthy, but with spring, the income from gathering should increase significantly.

Ted and the others will likely be busy, and won't be able to ask someone else.

I gaze at the wash basin.

By the way, magic tools are like money pits.

They're expensive not only in purchasing but also in crafting.

In alchemy, if people make potions, one alchemy solution is usually enough.

However, with [Magic Tool Creation], it consumes a large amount, and it's used up every day.

Taking each magic stone in hand one by one, I ponder.

When learning something, repetition while keeping the sensation is the usual path.

However, obtaining magic stones is a matter of luck.

Since I have limited funds, buying them is out of the question.

In that case, how long will it take to gather a satisfactory amount?

After pondering for a while, I decided to give it a try.

I take out the ring and bend a nail to remove the worthless stone.

The magic stone—should I make it into a Nudlok?

Placing it on the pedestal, the magic stone is smaller.

I forcefully bend the nail and somehow secure it.

There's no real sense of accomplishment, but it's done.

With a bit of nervousness, I activate [Appraisal].

The name is Ring of Discarded Magic Stone.

"A failure..."

When magical tool creation fails, the magic stone loses its magic.

At this point, it's no different from a regular stone.

There are a few pieces of jewelry made from discarded magic stones lying around.

I observe it through a lantern.

But it's still just a plain ring.

Elfimia would probably have seen it with [Magic Perception].

The fading magic.

I set it aside and clap my hands together.

"Alright, let's do them all!"

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