Earth Dungeon 84.1

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Chapter 84.1. Yajiri

Amatsugahara Corporation headquarters. In a room for production, Jun, the leader of the children, watched as Hina performed [Purification] on rusty iron. A white light emanated from her fingertips, covering the rusted, unrecognizable lump of iron. 

Over time, the bright red rust transformed into a smooth and gleaming piece of iron. 

It was amazing how magic worked. It could turn a heavily rusted mass into pristine iron. Even though the weight was reduced by about two-thirds, it was still incredibly useful to have fresh iron. 

Hina, within Jun's group of children, possessed the skill of [Purification].

Her power could cleanse impurities, turning mud into silky soil, muddy water into pure water, and restoring rusty iron to its original, clean form. Due to its usefulness, Sakimori raised Hina's skill to level 2 by the Defense Force. Jun had been envious, but his skill was now at level 2 as well. This decision reflected the high utility of [Metalworking]. Thanks to it, he could easily craft tools like two-meter-long metal swords, hoes, sickles, shovels, pots, and pans.

"It's an amazing skill, this [Purification]."

Baba remarked, who was gazing intently at the lump of iron. He had been visiting frequently lately to make arrows. However, he wasn't trying to recruit Jun and the others as archers.

"Do we really need metal arrowheads? Can't we  use wooden arrows?"

Baba, stroking his bearded chin, thought for a moment and then replied, "Hmm? Well, a compound bow doesn't really need arrowheads. The entire arrow is made of carbon, after all. But in these times, it's not easy to get arrows like that, and we need them in quantity. We need the old-fashioned arrows."

Though Baba was thin, working alongside Shingen had strengthened his body, and he hoisted a compound bow under his arm with a wry smile. The arrow, now shining brightly due to [Purification], appeared complex even to the untrained eye. Just looking at it made it clear that crafting it was challenging.

"I don't think I can make such a bow."

"Umm, I can't do it alone. It's too complicated."

The mechanisms involved seemed quite intricate. Crafting it would require knowledge beyond just metalworking.

"Well, that's true. But making traditional arrows is tough. There aren't many bows that can shoot straight nowadays."

Baba set the compound bow on a workbench and laughed heartily. It seemed making bows was no walk in the park, but his laughter made him seem like a carefree person who didn't mind the difficulties.

"The same goes for arrows. Making arrowheads is outdated, but... they don't fly straight, either."

"That's no good! I mean, it's not good, right?"

Jun couldn't help but interject with rough words while laughing, but Baba didn't seem to mind.

"Arrowheads, wood, fletching. If you have all these, you can make arrows. We're currently using carbon arrows, but they'll run out sooner or later. Until then, it's all about hard work. I make them myself too. I hope to have something usable in the near future."

Baba sighed and squinted his eyes, holding the compound bow. There was a sense of strength in his gaze.

"Nevertheless, talented folks can occasionally make these. I'll leave the arrowheads to you."

Almost immediately, his expression softened, and he looked at Jun with a gentle smile.

"Yes, I understand. I'll have them ready by the next time."

"Good. But it's about time. Shall we go to the market?"

He got up, inviting the rest of the children.

"Yes, looking forward to it."

"I'm tired... let's go." 

Hina said, abandoning the rusty iron lump and stretching.

"Alright. I'll be your guard, so don't worry." 

Baba said, his mouth curved with a reassuring smile, and I nodded in response.

Under Baba's protection, Jun led everyone to the market. While they referred to it as an escort, the security had improved in the area, so there was little need for concern.

They arrived at the Amatsugahara Corporation Market, known as the former station building. What exactly was a station building? Jun had wondered and discussed it with Hana and the others, concluding that it must have been an old market. It seemed to fit, more or less.

"We've arrived at the market."

"Oh... I'm so glad you were here. You saved me." 

Hina said, her eyes getting teary as she thanked a little girl she was holding.

"Jeez, Hina, you're not even walking. You're just riding on a Shadow Tiger." 

"But, I'm tired... Using the [Purification] skill consumes mana." 

Hina replied, puffing her cheeks.

Hana scolded her again, and Hina stuck her tongue out. She was riding alongside a little girl on Kage-Tora, clinging onto the child's back.

"Jun, who's using the [Metalworking] skill, looks so energetic!"

"Boys and girls have different stamina!"

The two of them faced each other, their lips puckered in disagreement. It was their usual playful banter. Jun gave a wry smile, and Baba and the others entered the market.

The market was even more bustling than usual. The crowd was larger than they'd ever seen. Everyone had an excited and expectant look, fidgeting with anticipation.

"Haven't they arrived yet? Did we come too early?"

"It seems so."

They entered the market and joined Hana and Hina, who were sitting on a bench, waiting. The little girl who was riding a Shadow Tiger lay on the big cat's back, patting it joyfully. Everyone relaxed and watched her as she played.

"Sakimori-shan is hyere!"

The girl riding on Shadow Tiger happily began walking toward the market's entrance. It seemed like Sakimori had arrived. She had an incredibly keen intuition.

As they moved to the entrance, they noticed jeeps, armored vehicles, and cavalry units racing in, carrying a large number of deer, rabbits, and wolves behind them.