Earth Dungeon 70.2

 Test

Chapter 70.2. Armaments

"That's too bad. But I guess the effectiveness of this bracelet would increase, right? Is there any equipment that boosts combat arts?"

"Just make do with Hazy Short Sword. After all, you'll use combat arts as your trump card, so you don't really need equipment that boosts them continuously, do you?"

"...True. But if there were any interesting equipment like that, I'd want it. Well, thanks. With this, I can face strong enemies."

My Armed Shadow Tiger will also become stronger. It increases the effectiveness of magic, after all.

"You used to defeat bosses with a cypress stick, so remember that. I'll support you from now on, so don't worry. Um, it's okay if you kiss me as thanks."

The albino girl said this, blushing and looking away. She's cute, but... there's something about her.

"...I'll consider kissing you when I feel like crying from emotion."

She's somewhat... similar to Shizuku, isn't she... Serika. They could almost pass for sisters. There's a resemblance in their demeanor and various other aspects. Well, it's fine.

[Beep beep. Red card, please. Let's kick this girl out. That's deliberate, she's putting on an act. It's probably calculated.]

Today, it seems like Karin is serving as the soccer referee. How composed. Keep your composure. I understand that it's an act, but still...

"It feels like things have become more glamorous, Sakimori."

"No, it's just a coincidence. My place doesn't usually have many visitors."

I'm denying what Shingen said. Indeed, the female ratio has suddenly increased, but it's only temporary.

"That's true. Climbing up here is a hassle."

There's no elevator, and it's on the 20th floor. The only people who would come here for no reason are the usual little girl. That girl has some guts; I'll give her that.

"That's how it is. So, Serika, do you happen to have any extra cement?"

"The only one who gets to see my embarrassed face is Sakimori... Well, never mind. How about it? Do you have an extra Skill 1 Potion?"

Sighing, Serika and I discussed the terms for the cement delivery from now on. Her change in demeanor to a more business-like attitude is so obvious.

In the end, we managed to negotiate that she would provide some of the cement needed for the lab's repairs. The price was a Skill 1 Up Potion. It seems surprisingly useful. When it's between 0 and 1, even a small change can be significant, so it makes sense.

Serika and her group waved goodbye and headed home, leaving only Shingen, Ryuko, and me behind. I can't help but think that this girl needs an escort when she goes home to the inner town.

Well, it's fine. I'll have the enhanced Armed Shadow Tiger secretly accompany Ryuko's shadow.

"For now, we need defensive walls for the base. Plywood doesn't provide much security."

I announced while sitting on the sofa with the remaining group. It's part of our urban planning for the future. The population has been increasing, and residential space is becoming scarce.

"If we're going to surround everything, we'll need a significant amount of cement and materials, Sakimori."

Shingen pointed out with concern, but I'm well aware of that.

"Concrete can make it easy to build a base. Serika promised me several tons of it. With that amount, we can enclose each base. Of course, it's impossible to enclose everything or connect all the bases. We'll have to build between the destroyed buildings."

"So it'll be the same as before... just using concrete blocks instead of plywood?"

That's right. My card collection has finally started to grow, but they're all weak cards. I'll have to make do with what I have.

Covering an entire base with concrete walls is an impossible feat. I've already given up on that idea.

"Ryuko, can't you create a model with your Skill? We could create frames for pouring concrete and then cover them with wooden frames. Afterward, we pour the concrete. It should be easy to create walls like that."

"Um... I don't think it would work out that well. Even if it dries, I think it would easily collapse unless reinforced with steel bars."

I thought it was a great idea, but Ryuko, who raised her hand weakly, shot it down. Apparently, concrete can easily collapse without proper support.

Seriously? I should've just asked Serika for cement. Maybe I rushed things.

"...Let's rely on someone with the [Purification] Skill. It might not work out, but it's worth a try."

We could collect rusted steel bars and materials from collapsed buildings and use [Purification] to restore them to their original state. Would it work?

"It doesn't seem like it would work very well..."

Shingen expressed his doubts with a troubled expression, and I agree.

"Well, what if we remove the existing concrete walls? Then, we apply [Purification], put them into the frames, and pour concrete on top. It would require fewer concrete materials, and [Block] can judge the weak spots, allowing us to replace only those parts."

"Is there a method like that? Hooray for the power of Skills, I guess."

It might not work smoothly under normal circumstances, but with the power of Skills, it might be possible. There are weaknesses, but that's what makes Skills genuine.

"Okay, let's go with that plan. Also, I want to build something like an apartment, something as comfortable as possible."

People are currently using abandoned offices as their living spaces, but they're not suitable for living, with shabby rooms and concrete floors.

"Understood. Should I use wood for that?"

"Yeah... and maybe we should get a nail gun or something, or better yet, some nails."

"I think I can do it without nails. Like traditional Japanese joinery."

"Then let's go with that."

Ryuko answered immediately, but can she really do traditional Japanese joinery...? Huh? Speaking of which, what's Serika's Skill? Well, whatever.

Shingen will handle transporting the wood. Ooki-kun will take care of all the odd jobs. Ryuko will scout the construction site. I'll find Katsuyori and give him instructions later.

"Alright, everyone, get to work. If you need a saw or anything, ask Jun. Dismissed."

I turned my gaze to each of them, and they nodded and clapped their hands together. It looks like we're going to be busy. I'll focus on clearing Goblin Dungeons and Spider Dungeons, and then work on building the residential areas.

For the wood... I guess I'll need to use my magic to remove the water. Let's start by stabilizing the ground. What should I do with Azure Dragon Core? I'll think about it later. There were some interesting items on the list.

I finally have some equipment. Depending on the performance of the weapons, I'm looking forward to it. And for now, it's a relief that Ryuko seems to be normal.