Chapter 9: “Adult Purchase of Magic Stones”

“Magic stones?… I wonder why? May I ask?”

　

Buying and selling magic stones is not uncommon.

Unlike adventurers who level up by defeating monsters, artisans and merchants living in towns usually cannot rely on such methods for leveling up.

However, there’s a way to level up without risking such dangers.

That method involves absorbing magical essence from magic stones.

In this way, individuals other than adventurers can aim for skill rank-ups for both social contribution and personal improvement.

High-level blacksmiths aim for greater heights and hone their blacksmithing skills.

Priests seek higher-level miracles and train their priest skills.

All of them, without exception,

Everyone, without exception, relies on leveling up through magic stones apart from defeating monsters.

Therefore, magic stones are not only used for creating magical tools but are also circulated regularly.

Hence, the demand for magic stones is constant and never dwindles, often holding the same value as currency in some countries.

And, of course, Klaus’s objective was also clear,

“I-I want experience points… As you know, I’ve been an adventurer for three years and I’m still stuck in the lower ranks. So, I don’t want to miss this opportunity.”

“…I see. Fine, I’ll let you have it. For 65 gold coins’ worth of magic stones.”

With just those words, the negotiation was settled easily.

Klaus intended to use the money he earned from selling mandragoras to buy magic stones through legitimate means. So, this was like a godsend.

Even with 65 gold coins, he honestly couldn’t think of any other use for the money besides magic stones.

“Terrine, gather all the magic stones in the guild. This is going to be a big transaction.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Terrine, who had been standing by the wall, hurriedly ran into the materials exchange office.

There, there must be a large amount of magic stones exchanged by adventurers.

“I see. You dream of great success as an adventurer too, don’t you?”

“W-Well, of course…!”

It’s a natural aspiration for adventurers.

Dad disappeared while continuing his adventures, just like that.

“Sure. If you continue finding valuable materials, I’ll sell you magic stones at a reasonable price.”

“Really?”

“Oh yes, if you happen to… find any, please bring them here. High-value items are essential for the guild’s development, after all.”

“T-Thank you!”

At this point, Klaus was being subtly guided by Miss Salazar’s persuasive words, though he remained completely unaware.

Already, for Klaus, “if you happen to” didn’t mean “if you happen to” anymore; it felt more like something that was frequently… indeed, something he confessed to quite often.

Receiving a large quantity of magic stones packed in boxes, Klaus hands over mandragoras as payment.

“Thank you! Please exchange the other materials for money.”

“Yes, of course… I’ll make sure to convert them properly into achievements.”

Miss Salazar says with narrowed eyes.

Although the only achievement recorded in Klaus’s adventurer recognition card was the completion of the “Poisonous Arrowroot Harvest” quest, the additional rewards were paid promptly in gold and silver coins.

In total—,

22 gold coins and 70 silver coins (details include 10 gold coins for the rock lizard materials and the rest converted to 12 gold coins and 70 silver coins).

Day after day, he truly earned an astonishing amount…

And to top it off, a whopping 13 large magic stones!

Thanks to the favorable exchange rate she offered, one large magic stone was worth 5 gold coins.

“I-It’s amazing… Seriously?”

His body trembled at the magnitude of the rewards he had received.

Klaus deliberately pushed aside his excitement, resolved to pick out the next quest and firmly decided to take a break today as he hurried home.

Even though he hadn’t physically exerted himself, the hefty rewards and the mental fatigue from interacting with the Guild Master took their toll on him.

Above all, there were things he could do with the magic stones.

—With this many, just how much could his level increase…?

With a satisfied expression, Klaus left the guild, unaware that Miss Salazar was quietly watching his departure.

Once she confirmed Klaus had disappeared into the bustling streets of the town, she called for Terrine.

“…Master?”

“You understand, don’t you? Keep an eye on him—hire someone skilled.”

With her sharp eyes, she gazed at Terrine, then turned on her heel without further explanation.

“…He might become an indispensable figure. I heard scouts from the Royal Capital’s guild tried to recruit him in the past—interesting…”

“Um, Master?”

“…But the opposite is also possible. That’s why, investigate his secrets—especially that ‘by chance…’ remark of his.”

“Y-Yes…! I understand completely.”

Terrine nodded repeatedly, feeling a chill running down her spine.

Various schemes and plans began to unfold in the shadows, unbeknownst to Klaus…

Today’s Achievements:

～Converted Currency～

Gold Coins: 22

Silver Coins: 70

～Converted Items (Magic Stones)～

Magic Stones (Large): 13 ⇒ Used

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Klaus Nordur’s Level has Increased! Level Up

Klaus Nordur’s Level has Increased! Level Up

Klaus Nordur’s Level has Increased! Level Up

Klaus Nordur’s Level has Increased! Level Up

Klaus Nordur’s Level has Increased! Level Up

Klaus Nordur’s Level has Increased! Level Up ×3

“W-What?! I leveled up by 8 levels in one go…? T-That’s incredible!”

※ ※ ※

Level: 27 (UP!)

Name: Klaus Noldor

Skills: [Automatic Function Autonomy Mode] Level 3

Level 1 ⇒ Automatic Return

Level 2 ⇒ Automatic Movement

Level 3 ⇒ Automatic Resource Gathering

Level 4 ⇒ ???

● Klaus’s Stats

HP: 230 (UP!)

Strength: 135 (UP!)

Defense: 121 (UP!)

Magic Power: 67 (UP!)

Agility: 145 (UP!)

Resistance: 47 (UP!)

Remaining Status Points: +47 (UP!)

Equipment Slots:

1. Sword Skills Lv. 3

2. Presence Detection Lv. 3

3. Low-Level Magic Lv. 1

4. Auto Return

5. Auto Movement

6. Auto Resource Collection

7. None

● Title: None

○ Temporary Title: “Newly Rich Guy”

⇒ For a certain period, tends to buy unnecessary things.

　 And, uncontrollably feels the urge to set money on fire. “Look, isn’t it bright?”

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