MTLNOVEL Chapter 185
185. There’s Another Way To Use Thing, Isn’t It?
A herd of Armored Bears is drawn to a massive pool made of alchemically hardened rock.
Inside it isn’t water for swimming, but a scent that lures monsters and poisonous gas.
The bears roam around the pool, searching for the source of the enticing smell.
“Nothing’s happening.”
“I thought the moment a monster stepped in, blood would gush out, and they’d writhe in agony before dying!”
“That’s terrifying!”
Well, it’s not like we couldn’t make such a poison, but it would also harm humans, so it was ruled out.
Besides, something that lethal would just make the other monsters wary.
“Don’t rush. Just watch.”
We held our breath, carefully observing.
The Armored Bears wandered around, unable to find the tempting prey their noses promised.
The faintly tinted monster poison seeped thoroughly into their bodies as they moved through the pool.
Gradually, their movements slowed. One by one, they sat down and drifted into slumber.
Even those still awake ignored the others and continued their search, only to fall into a deep, muddy sleep like their companions.
Of course, this slumber was eternal.
“They’re dead.”
“Yeah.”
“Nice! I wanna use this for hunting too!”
“Hold on! You hunt animals, not monsters!”
“Aw, really? Oh well, I’ll go harvest the materials while I can.”
If these were animals, I might feel pity.
But since monsters are always hostile to humans, no one feels any mercy for them.
To us, monsters are foes to be defeated, magic stones, and raw materials—nothing more.
Just to be clear, it’s not like Jitaro is heartless.
As Jitaro moved to gather materials, I hastily stopped him with my hand.
“Wait! There’s more to come!”
“What?”
Holding him back, we continued observing. Suddenly, the monster corpses began to dissolve.
“Ew!?”
The shout came from Eva.
The monsters’ flesh melted away, leaving only bones, which quickly dissolved as well.
In the blink of an eye, only magic stones and clear puddles remained.
The puddles evaporated like boiling water, leaving behind nothing but glittering magic stones.
A heavy silence fell over us, broken only by Jitaro’s muttered words.
“…Isn’t this kind of extreme?”
“What!? No way! They drift off gently to sleep, so it doesn’t alert their allies, and there’s no need to clean up the corpses! Sure, you can’t harvest anything besides magic stones, but it’s easy to manage!”
Everyone stared at me with half-lidded eyes.
Leafan and Eva sighed heavily, like they were breathing out lead.
“Craft-kun is always Craft-kun, huh?”
“As usual, he doesn’t grasp the magnitude of what he’s done.”
“Hey! I protest! I met the Lizardmen’s requests perfectly!”
I put a lot of thought into this!
“Craft-kun, you overdid it! If you’re not careful, this could end up being used as a magic stone mine!”
As Leafan scolded me, I thought for a moment.
“…Oh.”
In a place where monsters spawn endlessly, using this trap… Yeah. It could totally become an infinite magic stone generator.
“Haha…”
“Don’t ‘haha’ meeeeeeeee! Craft-kun! Sit down! Now!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
I sat in seiza at light speed and bowed my head.
I didn’t mean it! I swear!
I never thought a monster trap would turn into a magic stone factory!
Everyone around shook their heads in exasperation.
◆
I contacted Kyle and agreed to keep the anti-monster poison gas a secret, for now, from everyone except Jabil-sensei.
We then set up monster traps around the wetlands under Leafan’s direction.
Within days, dozens of traps were in place and functioning.
“It’s like the monsters were never there.”
“As expected of Craft-sama! So wonderful! I can’t help it! I want your chil—”
Smack!
Jurara dropped a fierce fist on Shururu’s head.
“Stop that! You’re being improper! And watch your language!”
“Don’t you understand how much I want the child of the greatest hero!?”
“I get it, but you can’t be rude! If you want Craft-sama’s favor, you must first be recognized as a woman!”
“Wait, wait, wait, wait! No, Jurara! That’s not it at all!”
The betrayal of Jurara, whom I thought was on my side, almost made me cry.
“You’re supposed to keep her in check!”
“I am, but forcing it isn’t right. She must be acknowledged as a woman.”
“Enough! If this continues, I won’t make any more poison gas!”
“Ugh…”
At my declaration, Shururu and Jurara fell silent. It was a bit forceful, but it ended the pointless conversation.
I don’t dislike Shururu, but… she’s a bit too wild. Please notice that!
Raidoc stepped in, waving his hand to break up the tension.
“Let’s get back on topic. No more monsters in the wetlands, right?”
“Yeah. The Lizardmen warriors are patrolling, but all nearby monsters are being sucked into the traps. Even the Hydra in the wetlands got drawn in.”
That’s good news.
“Eventually, monsters might start avoiding the scent, but by then, the wall around the wetlands will be done. For now, we’ll rely on Jurara and the Lizardmen to maintain the traps.”
“Understood. You’ve truly helped us. We’ll send all the magic stones to Kyle-sama.”
“Not all of them! Keep some for yourselves—”
“Then let’s say we’re buying the gas with magic stones. It’ll make the gas seem expensive and deter others.”
Whoa. That’s a smart idea.
I underestimated you, Raidoc. My bad.
“Got it. But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I’ll let you know if we do.”
Maybe becoming the village chief has brought out his potential. He’s really reliable now!
Just keep Shururu in line, and you’ll be perfect!
“Alright. We’ve stockpiled the gas and arranged for transport from Golden Dawn. Let’s head back!”
“”””Yeah!!!””””
Thus, we returned home, and the exchange with Mizuho Divine Kingdom resumed with renewed vigor.