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27. Transaction

「First, I learned the Dark Ice Magic Cocytus with [Song of the Age of Gods]. It is a magic that creates ice that will not melt for a thousand years unless the caster dissolves it. Then, use [Space Jump] together with [Universal Palm] to expand its range. I use this to store the material I have collected」

「…Like cryopreservation or something?」

After thinking about it for a while, Shizuku came up with an answer, not wanting to give up without even trying. If anything, just knowing the concept of cryopreservation in the rather warm Abik territory is a big deal. But unfortunately, it’s a little different.

「First, make an ice container with Cocytus. [Infinite Mana Fountain] [Chant Destruction], activate.」

Cold air gathered in midair. A white sphere that was slightly larger than Shizuku’s frame was created. It was an egg of ice that won’t melt or break for a thousand years.

「The inside is hollow. Almost like an egg.」

「And then?」

「Transport it upwards with [Space Jump].」

「Up?」

The sphere disappeared, leaving only a small dent on the ground.

「There is a dark region that’s located even higher up beyond the sky, which is also known as the Sea of Stars. It seems that an explorer who had perfected his flying skills once flew up from a high mountain and reached it. He never returned, but left something behind in the sky. A record was found, and it said that anything that reaches the Sea of Stars will not fall for a while.」

「…So you transport the materials in and out of that ball?」

「Correct again.」

The reason for flying it up into the sky is because there is nothing else there. There is a lot of information on the ground and underground.

My brain’s processing ability was strengthened by the [Song of the Age of Gods] that I picked up from Eria, but I concluded that it would be easier to scan the sky.

「To think there was such a combination…」

「There was someone who taught me to choose skills based on synergy.」

It was a way of thinking that Altora lacked until the very end.

I have not recollected [Sword Saint] yet, but now that the synergy with [Hawk Eye] and [Enhanced Slash] has been lost, even if it is activated, it cannot be used properly. I wonder if he already noticed that the skills are gone?

Even if I collect it later, it would only result in [Sword Saint] regaining its original performance.

「[Sword Saint], huh…」

If Shizuku had [Garou] and [Sword Saint] at the same time, the synergistic effects of the acceleration skills might create a strong synergy. However, since she won’t be able to repay the points enough to produce a lasting result, I’ll have no choice but to lend it out indefinitely, which probably won’t happen.

「The next herd is almost here. Shall we go, Shizuku?」

「[Duration Enhancement] [Garou], activate!」

Shizuku’s figure disappeared, and the monsters continued to disappear one after another from the detectable range.

By the time the replacement mercenary group arrived four days later, most of the monsters around Kinui had been wiped out.

◆◆◆

「Give this to the mayor.」

「Huh?」

The other day, I handed over the materials to the secretary who accompanied the town mayor to my inn as proof of the subjugation. In the end, enough materials were collected to fill 12 ice eggs. White spheres as tall as an adult man were rolling around in the mayor’s garden.

Peeking into the contents of the egg through the hole I had made, the young secretary dropped the ledger in their hands on the spot.

「Um, what is this?」

「These are materials collected from the monsters that were subjugated. We were told that you could purchase them in addition to our reward, so we brought them here.」

Koe-san answered for me.

「It’s impossible…」

Because they were monsters that came out of a dungeon, there were also army ant mandibles that would normally be traded at a high price through a guild. Faced with a treasure trove whose final price could reach tens of millions of yin, the secretary turned pale and shook their head.

「Impossible?」

「Ah, no, we have no intention of breaking our promise. However, if this amount of money is exchanged, the town’s treasury and finances will be destroyed.」

「Then we shall loan it to you. My master has suggested so.」

Since we had anticipated this situation, we had talked about what to do in advance. Koe-san’s words made the secretary feel a little relieved and they relaxed their shoulders.

「Loan it?」

「We would appreciate it if you could pay it back after converting it into cash, or cooperate with us on some other occasion. Can we please get the mayor’s approval for this?」

「U-Understood!」

「The container is made of magic ice. Please also convey that there is plenty of time before the materials rot.」

「Thank you for your consideration!」

We obtained the mayor’s permission easily.

The term is 10 years, and payment is to be made in cash or with appropriate cooperation. After receiving the certificate, we politely refused to stay for tea and left the mayor’s mansion.

「Thank you, Koe-san.」

「Not at all. If it is something I can do, please don’t feel reserved.」

「Whenever I try to negotiate, they seem to become wary of me. I guess my expressions are hard to read.」

「I do not think so, master…」

「No matter. It is finally over.」

I looked back on the process while thanking Koe-san for her cooperation. It was a little roundabout way, but it served its purpose.

「Now this town is cleaned up. Enough to keep their mouths shut.」

Wolf’s Hidden Village is Shizuku’s hometown. A village of defeated army located just a stone’s throw from the S-class dungeon “The Farthest Ends of Blue”. It’s probably not in a good condition.

If Shizuku were to work on its reconstruction, the necessary supplies would have to be procured from Kinui. However, if she buys that much material multiple times, they will naturally become suspicious. Eventually, I would like them to have an equal relationship, but for now we have to keep it a secret.

「We’ll use the town mayor and his secretary as cover to procure supplies. It’s the surest way to suppress information.」

I handed over the materials in ice. With this, there is no need to worry about decay, and the mayor will probably try to sell it in small quantities to prevent the price from collapsing.

If anything, the townspeople would not remain silent if they were to panic and sell everything in bulk. The mayor of a rural town who is not smart enough to earn money for the town and causes prices to fluctuate violently would be easily pulled down from his position.

In exchange for tens of millions of yin, I will buy peace for the werewolves. It is that kind of deal.

「Shizuku, I’ll ask you one last time. You don’t mind this method, right?」

「I don’t. Not letting anyone die, and not taking anyone’s property by force. This method that you came up with is probably the best.」

Koe-san also nodded in agreement. The three of us now had one goal.

The people who lost in the war, the demi-humans. If they too are “those who were bereaved”, then I’ll do what I can.

「Let’s go. First, let’s conquer “The Farthest Ends of Blue”.」

「Yes, master.」