Chapter 253: Bigger and Better 3
TL/Editor: Raei
Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri
Illustrations: Posted in discord.
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The opening of a new region was synonymous with the emergence of new side quests.
Before even considering whether there were harpy nests outside, the first order of business was to collect all the side quests in the form of requests from the newly encountered stone dwarves.
Han Se-ah, always earnest about uncovering the mini-map, didn't hesitate for a moment to explore Granny Pipi's city.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Unlike Old Bobo's city, made of stones that were almost black in color, Granny Pipi's city was composed of stones closer to white in color, though without any rough holes or spots.
The difference was like that between basalt and granite.
And, just as there was a difference in color, there was also a distinct difference in the city's character.
"From Old Bobo's city, you say? Hmm, you've come from quite a distance."
"I've created an alchemical catalyst myself, but I'm missing some ingredients."
"An alchemist and a mage? Then there's something you could help me with in my experiment."
If Old Bobo's city was predominantly a blacksmith town, Granny Pipi's was an alchemist's haven.
This was reflected in the nature of the side quests; while the former focused on alloys, equipment enhancement materials, and samples of the squishies' equipment, the latter was more about gathering alchemical ingredients or testing alchemical products in practice.
It seemed each city had its unique specialty.
Indeed, this diversity must be what attracted various races to visit different cities.
"Is this the buildup for a boss fight?"
It was about fostering exchanges with different races and showcasing the unique personalities of cities born from stone.
From a game design perspective, this could also be seen as a tutorial on item enhancement.
By completing side quests in Old Bobo's 41st-floor city, players could apply magical effects to the equipment prepared by the Magic Tower and the Royal Palace, enhancing their specs.
Then, in Granny Pipi's 43rd-floor city, players would learn about various consumables they could use.
Although Han Se-ah, as a streamer, indulged in alchemy, creating all sorts of bombs, arrows, and gas bombs, it was likely that most other players hadn't been using such consumables.
"Alright~ Sadly, we've reached the 43rd-floor city, but only one giant wiggler has shown up. So option 1 was: A single giant wiggler will appear. And option 2 was: Either a group of them or a different species will show up. Right?"
-Too bad 2s
-Huh, who are you and what are you doing in my monitor?
-BB Games, these bastards are screwing us over. Can't we sue them for embezzlement or something?
"This would be incredibly useful in swampy areas, right? It wouldn't get in the way when swinging a sword either."
"Besides the disposable alchemical arrows, it looks like the more expensive arrowheads could be stored in those quivers... But if we're facing harpies, would we be able to collect the arrows?"
Instead of cosmetics, clothes, or shoes, they were selecting monstrous items designed to aid in battle.
Beyond items for maintaining equipment, there were biochemical gases, gleaming broadswords, and maces bristling with spikes, all enchanted with various magics for sale.
It felt odd seeing two beauties, who looked like they'd surrender the house at the sight of a cockroach, excitedly choosing such items.
Their conversation wasn't about how well a cosmetic would blend with their skin but rather about the gruesome effectiveness of these weapons.
Yet, in such shopping excursions, a man's role is simple: to nod in agreement when asked for an opinion.
After all, I rely more on physical prowess than equipment, so I don't have much of an eye for weapons.
The only value I recognize is durability that it won't shatter when I wield it full of mana.
"Roland! This is an arrow that softens metal, similar to a Vacuum Stone. Might be useful against those bug creatures, right?"
"There's such a thing?"
"The stone dwarfs created it to protect themselves from those giant bugs. It's not just for bugs; it looks like it's also used against monsters made of rock or metal, like the golems we saw below."
"Yes squishies. Think about how many creatures wrapped in some sort of protection you run into."
A stone dwarf, perhaps showcasing a merchant's instinct, started to chime in with Grace, who was holding up a black obsidian arrowhead.
Katie, not looking to buy a new sword, ended her shopping with a whetstone and oil-soaked cloth, while Grace meticulously inspected various arrowheads.
Even though Han Se-ah had learned alchemy, she couldn't compare to a stone dwarf with decades of experience.
The dwarf began to gently explain the various types of arrows Grace had purchased.
Truly a race of craftsmen, aren't they?
"This one buries into rock and then collapses that section into rubble. This one heats up metals sensitive to heat until they melt. And there's another that freezes joints solid."
If Han Se-ah could only make simple types like sticky bombs, flashbangs, or explosives, this was more like refined crowd control.
In gaming terms, it felt like comparing the general-use consumables a novice alchemist might make to the specialized counter items an intermediate-level alchemist would craft.
Watching Grace happily hoard these made for a strangely fitting scene.
"Obsidian tips? ...Nice."
"Of course! This squishy has a good aesthetic sense, huh? Arrowheads aren't just about being sharp. They need to be crafted like art, incorporating alchemy at the same time."
Grace, whose eyes sparkled at the thought of countering bug monsters and harpies, and Katie, discussing the artistry of arrowheads, which are neither jewels nor accessories.
Ending our shopping date for weapons instead of trinkets, we returned to the inn to find Irene and a group of nuns sitting at the table.
...When did they follow us here?
