Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 165

 The Great Forest.

A place where countless demon species inhabit, and demon calamities overlap.

It's what they call a demon realm.

Even I, who isn't particularly sensitive, can sense the dense magic just by stepping in.

I won't let my guard down.

I always activate 'Red Eye' and 'Fairy Eyes.'

"Found it!"

And what my eyes caught in that state.

It was a medicinal herb faintly glowing amidst the bushes!

"Snip!"

I cut off a handful's worth with scissors and quickly stuffed it into the bag on my back, raising the altitude of the 'Floating Orb.'

What I picked now are plants called Aro and Sabon; apparently, drying their leaves and turning them into powder makes them ingredients for potions.

They look like ordinary mountain herbs, but they have the property of storing magic, and by utilizing it effectively, they create the healing effect of potions.

As long as they're not dried up, the effectiveness doesn't change with the skill of the gatherer; rather, it seems the effect varies based on the pharmacist's skill.

Since a considerable quantity is needed, mainly artificially cultivated ones are used.

I've never seen them myself, but apparently, with a large-scale system like a vinyl house, they're mass-produced in several designated towns and processed into powder.

Something like a special zone?

These are then wholesaled to pharmacists in various places through the Magician's Association, who then produce potions.

The reason why potions with similar effects can be obtained in any town is because of this system.

I think it's quite efficient.

However, there's no rule saying you have to use the Association's products, and for one's own research or the education of apprentices, raw materials are needed at times.

So, the Adventurers' Guild constantly buys them.

Veterans don't usually do this, but newcomers or apprentices who can't enter dungeons yet sometimes pick them up when they take on requests outside.

Also, since they can be gathered even at the edge of forests where no monsters appear and at the foot of mountains, children sometimes do it to help their families.

However, that's just a generalization; there's none of that in this abnormal zone.

If children wander around carelessly, they'll usually die, and so will newcomers or apprentices.

Even those with considerable skills will die if they let their guard down.

Therefore, here in Rutoru, it was mostly those with skills above average who, when asked by familiar pharmacists, would gather them along with hunting.

However, recently, while there is stock of powder for potions, there have been reports that the materials are running out throughout the town.

The reason is simple.

Skilled adventurers are advancing to even more dangerous pioneer villages and deep into the forests, leaving no time for herb gathering.

Although potion supply can still be maintained like this, it's no longer effective, and it doesn't contribute to improving one's own skills, so the branch manager of the guild, upon the pharmacists' earnest request, brought the matter to Celyana, asking for financial assistance for the adventurers to gather materials.

That's fine in itself, but since I had just finished making the map and my hands were free, the conversation progressed to why not let me do it?

On the first day, just to be sure, soldiers were assigned as escorts, but since I handled it without any issues, I've been going alone for the past few days.

However, that doesn't mean I'm being careless; I've been avoiding combat... but today might be different.

Even now, I can see two goblins flickering in my field of vision.

I'd like to say goblins are no match for me no matter how many there are... but this is the demon realm after all.

Their strength, as seen through 'Fairy Eyes,' rivals that of orcs.

Back when I was in the orphanage, I helped out at the church's infirmary once, and I heard that an adventurer who suffered a severe injury there was done in by goblins.

And when I fought in the dungeon, I honestly thought the adventurers in Rutoru weren't much because of their weakness.

That's not true.

This is serious.

In a quiet and open area, it might be okay, but in a forest with poor visibility, especially against small goblins.

If you're not paying attention, it's not impossible to be caught off guard.

And their single strike is on par with orcs.

That's dangerous.

Now, about that goblin.

It's aware of me.

It shouldn't have seen me... could it be the insect repellent I applied, or is it my scent?

"Red Eye."

As I call out, it coils around my left leg and reveals itself.

Unlike dungeon monsters, it might not be possible to defeat it in one blow since it doesn't have a core, but I can entrust it with reconnaissance.

"All right!"

There's no need to be sneaky since it's already noticed me.

I activate 'Prayer' and 'Crimson Bee Needle,' tighten the bag on my back, and my preparations for battle are complete.