Kays Translations

Chapter 11 “Ore Extraction"

*Rumble, rumble, rumble...*

Now, at the guild, Klaus accepted a new gathering quest and, as usual, found himself on the rattling carriage, swaying along the road.

Today's destination was a bit farther away.

Just as usual, he had chosen an unpopular hunting ground, but things were never that convenient.

The "Swamp of Poison" and the "Valley of Lamentation" had been extensively harvested recently, making it difficult to gather resources without venturing deeper into the wilderness.

It's not like using "Automatic Resource Gathering" would make the process inefficient. However, due to the high risk of monsters, it's preferable to gather resources near the entrance, where it's relatively safer.

Moreover, for Klaus, who operates solo, encountering monsters deep in the hunting ground could lead to a dangerous situation with limited escape routes.

Therefore, Klaus thought it would be wise to refrain from gathering resources in the area near the entrance until they replenished, given the circumstances.

"...In that case, the options are naturally limited."

While it's a low-level hunting ground, the appearance of highly threatening monsters is unlikely. However, there are exceptions like the recent encounter with the Rock Lizard.

Even though that was an exception, Klaus being alone is still a precarious situation. 

In truth, it's preferable to avoid situations where it's one-on-one against multiple opponents, even if they are low-level monsters.

Of course, Klaus can handle multiple opponents just fine, but being surrounded is the worst-case scenario.

Therefore, hunting grounds that anticipate such situations are preferable.

...Or environments where one-on-one combat is possible might work as well.

And besides trying out "Automatic Resource Gathering," there was one more thing Klaus wanted to experiment with. 

The new skill, "Automatic Combat."

However, he needed to consider a more suitable environment to use it; otherwise, it would be too terrifying to employ.

So, first things first: he needed to get prepared.

In other words, he needed money and leveling up.

Even if he planned to test it on Goblins, he wanted to face them with proper equipment and stats.

Otherwise, he couldn't just casually use the skill, considering the potential consequences after employing automatic combat.

"Well, before that, I need to test this one too."

── Skill: "Automatic Resource Gathering"!

*Bzzz...*

※ ※

"Please specify the resource to gather."

● Plants

● Ores

● Creatures

● Liquids

● Other

※ ※

I see.

"Automatic Resource Gathering" includes not only plants but also options like ores, creatures, liquids, and more.

Until now, Klaus had limited the testing to plants for the sake of initial experimentation. However, there was no reason not to explore other options.

With that in mind...

The Mining of Magic Light Stones

I received a request to collect magic light stones that can be found in mines or dungeons.

This is one of the common requests often found in lower-level dungeons.

It is a highly demanded mineral widely used as lighting in urban areas.

Due to its widespread extraction, the price is not particularly high. However, it is produced in mines and relatively safe dungeons, so adventurers often undertake collection requests alongside their extermination tasks.

Among them, Klaus received a mining request from a certain dungeon.

“An-chan... Did you pick another remote place?”

“Huh? You think so? I used to dive into places like this all the time.”

It feels like I'm always being exasperated by the usual coachman, but I can't afford to mind.

Our destination is the unpopular dungeon even among lower-level dungeons, 'Twilight Mine.'

“Well, that's a story from my rookie days, right? Well, it's safe enough…”

“Safety comes first.”

As the old man said, safety is the main feature of 'Twilight Mine.' 

Apart from that, most of the minerals that can be obtained there are magic light stones, so the actual yield is low.

Therefore, beginners occasionally visit, but those who have graduated from being beginners rarely venture into this dungeon.

By the way, the origin of the name 'Twilight Mine' comes from the abundant light of magic light stones illuminating the entire dungeon. It is faintly bright enough that lanterns are unnecessary, making it feel like walking in the twilight. Source: Adventurer's Guild, 'Dungeon Strolls' reference.

"No one else is using it today, so I've changed the route just for you, An-chan. Remember, the only shared carriage available on the way back is mine, so don't be late."

"Got it, got it. Understood."

Ignoring the coachman's well-meaning but meddlesome words, I glance at the request form.

‘Mining Magic Light Stones: Quota × 20 (Purchase price determined by the size of the ore)

I have secured a total of 10 request forms…

If you meet the quota, it'll be easier for your adventurer rank to go up.

First, I need to secure the quota and also verify the 'Automatic Resource Collection.'

"Well, luckily there aren't any significant monsters, so I'm not worried, especially because it's you, An-chan, a veteran lower-level adventurer... but don't push yourself too hard, alright? Like the other day."

"Heh, heh. The other day was just a coincidence. But thanks, old man."

...What's up with that 'veteran... lower-level adventurer' remark! He's subtly dissing me, isn't he?

"Seriously…”

Just saying what I want, I board the guild's shared carriage, heading to the next hunting ground.

That old man has probably seen many adventurers over the years due to his long-standing job, but still, there must be something on his mind.

"It's none of your business! Now, shall we start collecting today... Oh, wait, is it mining because it's ore?"

...Yeah, whatever.

And so, the usual warm-up.

*Vroooom...*

　

　※ ※

《Please specify the destination》

● Town

● Field Dungeon

● Other

※ ※

Of course, specify the dungeon.

"...It's been a while since I came here. Feels like I haven't been here in a year... 'Twilight Mine.'"

Klaus, who primarily operates solo, often used this mine with few monsters to earn daily wages and prioritize safety.

Of course, the earnings were meager.

　※ ※

　《Destination: Twilight Mine》

⇒ Time required for travel: "00:10:25"

※ ※

"Now, pickaxe, shovel... Alright, let's do this."

Carrying the guild-issued reinforced and enchanted pickaxe and shovel, Klaus heads towards the mine with a practiced demeanor.

Alright, let's get started.

"──Activate Auto-Move."

Suddenly, consciousness fades away... When I realize it, I'm standing at the bright entrance of the mine.

Although it's not popular, there's a relaxed atmosphere that hangs in the air at this mine.

Occasionally, non-adventurers, too, come here to mine magic light stones for some extra income...

"It seems deserted today."

I've confirmed on the guild notice board that there are no other adventurers around.

Well then,

"Let's start by meeting the quota."

『Magic Light Stone Mining』 Quest × 10. Quota: 20 stones × 10 quests ─ totaling 200 magic light stones.

By the way, for each stone: (Small) 1 copper coin, (Medium) 2 copper coins, (Large) 5 copper coins...

(Extra Large and above) Price negotiable based on market value.

"Now, until the carriage's patrol, let's mine efficiently, shall we? And..."

*Vroooom...*

※ ※

《Resource Collection: Magic Light Stone (Large)》

⇒ Time required for collection: "00:04:22"

　※ ※

"............ Whoa. Can you really find Magic Light Stones (Large) this quickly? Even near the entrance... this is way too easy, isn't it?!"

However, that's not the only goal.

There are various other things...

"Well, let's finish the quota first."

Here we go, swiftly digging away, big bro! My sister, prepare the bath and wait for me!!

With high spirits, Klaus enters the mine, carrying his pickaxe.

"....Isn't he talking to himself a lot?"

A figure watches that back from a distance.

"Well... it's because of my big sister's orders that I'm doing this... Why am I, a mid-level adventurer, supervising such a clueless lower-level adventurer...? I’m going to lose sight of him! "I have to hurry."

Silently, she follows Klaus into the mine, blending in without a sound...

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