――――――――――
You have won the battle.
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Intelligence Enhancement] skill has increased.
The level of [Spirit Enhancement] skill has increased.
The level of [Health Recovery Rate Increase] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Power Recovery Rate Increase] skill has increased.
The level of [Advanced Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Enchantment] skill has increased.
Newly learned “Resistance Enchantment” spell.
The race level of your familiar has increased.
The job level of your familiar has increased.
――――――――――
It seemed that our levels had increased, probably because the opponent was strong and of a higher level. The experience points I gained in my skills were particularly rewarding. However, it was disappointing that there had been no advancement in the highly effective [Storm Magic]. I harbored hope that should we encounter the Mist Ball again, a level-up would be certain.
“Materials~ Materials~♪”
Shiitake was singing a peculiar song as she set off to collect the spoils. Iris followed her with a wry smile. I was also excited about the materials of a creature we had defeated for the first time. It would be great if they proved useful, but what would be the result?
“Ugh… it’s cheating that hitting it doesn’t inflict damage…”
“Grrr…”
Unlike the two women who were brimming with anticipation for new items, Jigoro and Karl were quite disheartened. Even though they had certainly surpassed their doppelgangers in combat skills, they felt dejected by the fact that they had been effectively held at bay until we managed to defeat the creature.
Dealing damage was futile, as the foe couldn’t be destroyed nor did it possess a physical form. Moreover, since it was merely a fake, defeating it held no significance. It was as if this enemy was the natural bane of all vanguard warriors. Even if you understand the logic behind it, it’s still frustrating.
“When we face such a foe next time, let’s make it a point to take it down before it can create any copies of us. Now, as it’s getting late, let’s wrap up our exploration and log out, shall we?”
“Okay!”
“Got it…”
Amidst the mix of elation and dejection, we made our way back to Shiratsuki.
◆◇◆◇◆◇
The next day, when I logged in and went to the Shiratsuki lounge, I found Iris, Shiitake, Genjuro, Usaji, Eiji, and Sei already gathered. It was no coincidence that at least one member of each of the four parties from yesterday’s exploration was present. The presence of two of the production players indicated that this meeting was undoubtedly about the materials we had obtained.
“Ah, Isam! You’ve arrived at a good moment.”
“Are we sharing the materials we all found yesterday?”
“That’s right. Why don’t you take a look and appraise them?”
“Let’s do that.”
Following Usaji’s words, I proceeded to use [Appraisal] the items laid out on the table. The results were as follows:
――――――――――
- Elastic Membrane of the Mist Ball – Quality: Fair, Rarity: S (Special)
This is the outer skin of the Mist Ball, a creature that manipulates mist. It’s rubbery and highly stretchable.
The inside of the Mist Ball contains only compressed mist, making this membrane the essence of its being.
It has high resistance to water, fire, and mist elements.
Ideal as a catalyst for [Mist Magic].
- Tears of the Mad Banshee – Quality: Superior, Rarity: S (Special)
These are the final tears shed by a spirit that became an evil specter following a tragic death.
The pitiful wails of such beings lure the living towards death.
Used as a material for items with instant death effects.
- Cloudy Mass of Ashen Slimes – Quality: Fair, Rarity: S (Special)
A viscous substance covered in dead ashes. A mixture of mucus and ash.
The substance, adapting to its environment, thrives on consuming the dead ash and can be controlled in combat.
It has a strong affinity for the earth element and can be used for various purposes.
- Wing-Ears of the Artificial Human – Quality: Poor, Rarity: T (Treasure)
These are the ears of a mutant artificial human created through alchemy.
Ears that became abnormally large belonged to a specimen that could flap them to fly.
While their utility may be limited, their rarity as an item is unquestionable.
――――――――――
“This seems to be more varied than I expected.”
After I finished examining the items in front of me, I couldn’t help but express my honest thoughts. It seemed that in addition to the Mist Ball we were fighting, the mist and ashes concealed numerous other creatures.
Genjuro’s party had encountered a screaming undead monster known as the Mad Banshee. This creature was able to manipulate other monsters with its screams, causing various conditions such as paralysis, sleep, fear, confusion, and slowness. If it hadn’t been for Wool, who could also influence cries, they might have been annihilated even in Genjuro’s presence.
Usaji and Eiji’s party encountered a swarm of Ashen Slimes which were similar in nature to slime creatures like Ruby. However, unlike Ruby who resembled a moving gem, these were more like murky muddy blobs. Even their drops retained their unsightly muddy appearance.
The Ashen Slimes were adept at hiding in the ash and using the surrounding ash as if it were part of their body to launch surprise attacks from below. They weren’t particularly strong, but they were numerous, and if you didn’t spot them early, they could take you by surprise, which meant that underestimating them could lead to a painful lesson.
Sei’s party fought a Failed Homunculus that I had also fought. However, the appearance of the one they encountered was completely different. They encountered a human head as big as a pillow with its oversized ears flapping to fly.
It appeared they met this eerie being just as they were picking up speed, and its unsettling presence prompted Hanna to reflexively cut it down. A single strike severed its ears, leaving it unable to fly or move, which allowed Sei and his familiars to defeat it. The mere thought of it was disturbing, so their reaction was quite understandable.
Furthermore, the party that ventured into the mist inevitably encountered Mist Balls and Ashen Slimes. It seems these two types of monsters are common inhabitants of the mist.
“It seems the fakes gave you a hard time.”
“Yeah, they really wore us out.”
“If Shio hadn’t been there, I would have been in danger too.”
Genjuro, like Jigoro, seemed to have been almost thwarted by a fake and was only able to escape because they had an archer like Shio who could hit moving targets. Against all odds, it would be a suicide mission to go through this area alone.
“The problem is that the deeper we go, the thicker the mist becomes. If we don’t do something about it, we’ll end up fighting in conditions where we can’t even see what’s right in front of us.”
“Having poor visibility and needing to watch out for surprise attacks from below… Hmm…”
A heavy silence fell among the gathered members. This was because this field was more difficult than we expected. Without finding some way to break through, conquering it would be exceedingly difficult.
“Why the long faces? Look at all the materials we’ve gathered!”
“Right. Let’s see if we can craft something useful for our quest from these.”
“Okay!”
“Then, we’ll collect more materials. They’ll be needed for trial and error, right?”
“That sounds like a plan.”
“Also, let’s keep exchanging information about the enemies. Make sure to write in the guild chat.”
“Got it.”
That should do it. There’s no need to rush; we might as well proceed with the quest at a slow pace. If progress stalls too much, we could use the handprint given by Lady Muno to visit other settlements. After all, there’s no absolute need to conquer the Black Wall.
“Setting the mist aside, what’s everyone planning for the event?”
“This event seems to have a festival vibe to it. And since PKing is not allowed… I’m definitely going at least once.”
“There might be limited-edition materials, so I’m absolutely going~~.”
Iris and Shiitake immediately responded to Eiji’s question; they were clearly eager to participate. While detailed information had yet to be released, it was almost certain that the event would be newcomer-friendly. The fact that it was possible to travel back and forth between the event and the base made it all the more appealing to drop by.
In fact, I too had intentions of visiting the event, albeit briefly. However, there was one concern that lingered in my mind.
“Should I… perhaps it’s best not to bring Karl along this time?”
“That…. would definitely attract a lot of attention.”
“I can already envision trouble brewing with oddballs approaching him.”
Indeed, Karl was far too conspicuous. As precious as he was to me as a companion, it seemed better to leave him behind this time.
However, I couldn’t forget how lonely he had felt during the long separation in the previous war event, which had left me feeling guilty and heartbroken. Unless there was an event-exclusive item or piece of equipment that I couldn’t resist, I planned to return immediately.
“Maybe it’s best to go. I’d like to catch up with Usuba and the others, and introduce them to Jigoro and Genjuro.”
“Uh, those are the famous PKers, right? The ones you teamed up with in the last event?”
“Yes, that’s them. I’d like to fulfill the promise I made back then.”
The members of the “Persona” guild led by Usuba, were battle maniacs who sought battles with the strong. They shared common ground with Jigoro and Genjuro, who were notably powerful. It presented a perfect opportunity to fulfill their wish to match against formidable opponents.
There was a need to inform them in advance through the friend chat and to check Jigoro and the others’ availability. However, I was confident that those two would welcome, rather than refuse, the idea.
“Those guys seem to be actively engaging in PK battles lately. I read on the bulletin board that they’re still taking on high-level player parties solo.”
“When I sparred with him, he appeared to still have hidden his strength and should be as strong as Jigoro and Genjuro.”
“Well, now, I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
“It seems there are monsters everywhere~~.”
According to Eiji, they were still enjoying their raids at the forefront with vigor. Hearing this, Genjuro’s fighting spirit surged, while Shiitake shrugged in disbelief.
Having finished sorting out items and sharing information, it was time to part ways. Iris and Shiitake decided to stay back in the workshop to explore the uses of their materials.
“So, shall we head out to explore the mist? Are all four of you coming?”
“I’m in!”
“I’ll follow.”
“Umu.”
“Sorry, but I have other matters to attend to and will be logging off. I only logged in today to deposit the materials.”
When I invited the four of them to join the exploration, it turned out that Sei had to log out immediately. We didn’t try to stop him. In fact, his effort to log in even for a short time just to pass on the materials showed his commendable dedication.
“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped. Thanks for your hard work.”
“Alright, I’ll be taking my leave then.”
With those words, Sei hurried back to his room. The rest of us formed a party and, taking Karl who was basking in the sunlight on the deck with us, set out to explore the mist. It was my first time venturing into the mist, so I was somewhat nervous.
Inside the mist, visibility was worse than I had imagined. The deeper we went, the thicker the mist became, which made me realize the urgent need to develop equipment to deal with the mist.
“Grrrrruu!”
“Hahaha, do you like the feel of the ashes?”
Karl trudged happily through the accumulating ashes and he seemed to enjoy the sensation. Despite the gloom such a place could inspire, the presence of someone frolicking about could brighten the atmosphere considerably.
“Even though he’s all grown up, he’s still innocent. I remember when he used to cling to Isam’s head.”
“Really? I can’t quite picture it since I didn’t know him when he was smaller… Oh, what’s this?”
“A guild chat message from Ruby… She’s found some sort of mid-boss and is calling for reinforcements! Isam!”
“Well, we have no choice but to go.”
The message that came over the guild chat was a call for help from Ruby, who was facing an opponent she described as a mid-boss. The details of the enemy were unclear, but it was obvious that they needed help if they were calling for it.
Map information showing their current location has been carefully attached, so there was no reason not to go. We rushed towards Ruby and the others’ locations.
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