Chapter 115.3  

I have not abandoned the lightweight double-edged sword (broken).

The derivative skill [Magical Tool Alteration] from [Magical Tool Creation] can also repair magical tools.

Since I have reached the minimum requirement of [Magical Tool Creation 4], I plan to practice with my own magical tools and eventually restore it.

Moreover, used magic books and such can be reused.

Both can be sold at the shop, and they fall under the domain of [Magical Tool Creation].

Unfortunately, I lack the rank to create scrolls, and making magic books requires advanced magic [Permanence].

Especially for the latter, it’s a long way off.

Despite minor troubles, I understood [Concentration Up].

[Magical Tool Creation], [Blacksmithing], ornamentation—this magic undoubtedly shines in the production profession.

Since my alchemical solution is running low, I planned to mix it up today, but now that I’ve acquired [Concentration Up], I want to try it.

I peek into the container and take out a small blue magic stone.

This is a Soprick magic stone.

The time it takes for the solution to permeate varies depending on the material.

Even for the same type of magic stone, there are individual differences.

The higher the quality of the magic stone, the longer the permeation time, but this is not always the case, as the quality of the solution and the environment also affect it.

As Rakkendale said, [Magical Tool Creation] has significant fluctuations.

And all the Soprick magic stones had permeated.

They are terrifying monsters, but their status itself is low.

Is the quality of the magic stones poor, or are they simply easy to permeate?

I take a homemade brooch from the container.

The material is an alloy of gold and copper, with five holes to fit small, rarely used magic stones.

“It fits perfectly…”

The Soprick magic stone fits into the hole as if it were made for it.

I turn it over, remove the magic stone, and contemplate it alongside the brooch.

I’ve defeated over a hundred Soprick, but the magic stones are fragile, most of them were cracked or shattered.

Only three were intact, and the rest were found as sand grains.

Imitating Lag, I soaked them in the solution, but I lacked the skill to fit fine fragments. I’m just being miserly.

I scoop up the remaining two and try fitting them into the holes.

They fit without issues and seem secure.

But—what to do?

Soprick magic stones are hard to come by.

If I’m to test [Concentration Up], shouldn’t I use more easily obtainable magic stones?

“But it’s about enhancing concentration…”

The base is my own crafted ornament, and it’s soaked in high-quality alchemical solution.

If [Concentration Up] supports me, there shouldn’t be any odd results.

“Let’s do it. Now or later, it doesn’t matter. It’s all about challenging.”

Determined, I peek into the container again, looking for magic stones to fit into the remaining holes.

There are many other shattered stones or those of similar size to Soprick.

There are plenty of candidates if it’s just about fitting them.

After much deliberation, I realize.

Oh, right.

I can use [Concentration Up] here too.

I activate the magic immediately, stare at the Soprick magic stone and brooch, and compare the magic stones in the container.

Which one is suitable for assistance?

Possibilities float through my mind and vanish.

Once the effect time passes, I recast it, continuing to ponder.

I select two high-quality Nudrock magic stones and start working.

Once I begin, it’s quick.

I fit the magic stones, and move the claws to secure them.

After finishing the work, I lean back and activate [Appraisal].

To check if it’s the magical tool I expected.

Name: Chest Ornament of the Hopping Rabbit

Feature: A brooch made of red gold.

Skill: [Hopping Rabbit] can be activated.

Trait: The number of uses and stability time on the foothold change according to the rank of [Hopping Rabbit].

If the uses exceed, the skill cannot be reactivated without setting foot somewhere.

Skill: [Hopping Rabbit 3] “Did it work? I wanted this skill.”

It’s rank 3, so it’s much inferior to Soprick, but how capable is it?

I put on the brooch and tried a light jump.

“Oh!?”

As I reach the highest point, I feel a sensation under my feet.

When I jumped again hastily, I almost hit the ceiling with the momentum.

“Ha ha, this is amazing!”

Laughing like a child, I kept hopping around the room.

As a result of testing, with [Hopping Rabbit 3], I could kick twice, and the foothold held for about a second.

I could jump even without reaching the highest point, and there was no limit to the number of uses per day, a concern I had.

Indeed, [Concentration Up] is useful for production.

Soprick magic stones also have potential poison-related uses, which were rather mainstream.

Being able to channel it into [Hopping Rabbit] is thanks to [Concentration Up].

That said, I retract my earlier statement.

Ordinary craftsmen can’t do such things.

Even if a craftsman mastered transformation magic and [Concentration Up], they would quickly deplete their magic power unless they were like Elphimia.

If a craftsman mastered magic, it would be limited to critical moments.

“Hello!”

Just then, a cheerful voice came from downstairs.

When I went down, Quince and the others were lined up, holding bags.

“Was it collection today?”

“Yes! We collected a lot of General Grass!”

Proudly, they showed off the bulging leather bag.

It seems like a good haul.

Since there are two girls unfamiliar with combat, I forbid them from straying from the outskirts of Seren.

Other materials would compete with adventurers and refugees, but sadly, no one cares about General Grass.

It could be easily collected even on the outskirts of the town.

Still, not knowing what dangers they might face, I equipped Quince and Kyle with daggers, and Emily and Ginny with small bows strung with orc sinew, but fortunately, there were no signs of use.

Quince and the others went upstairs and entered the workshop. The room, repaired with a new roof and walls, still serves as the workshop.

Since the ventilation worsened, I expanded the area around the windows using stone materials as catalysts, had Dovar make fine adjustments, and replaced it with a large window.

Quince and the others cheerfully started their work.

Listening to their voices, I activated [Hopping Rabbit], skipping two steps at a time, and returned to the alchemy room.