I Got Fired As an Adventurer, So I'm Starting Anew As an Alchemist! Frontier Exploration? Alright, Leave It to Me!

Chapter 97

97. Sometimes You Don’t Know Until It’s Get Pointed Out, Isn’t It?

When the Swamp Extermination Squad advanced near the central part of the swamp, they rescued Zaid’s private soldiers.

According to these soldiers, Zaid and his private troops entered the dangerous central swamp but were attacked by a large number of hydras and got scattered.

Kyle decided to rescue Zaid and his private soldiers.

The adventurers led by Raidoc and the lizardmen led by Juralala began a joint exploration into the depths of the swamp.

The so-called “depths of the swamp” and “central part of the swamp” encompass a vast area that could accommodate city-states with their territories.

Exploration wouldn’t be straightforward.

Kyle’s remaining team, staying behind, set up a camp to support them.

I finished my assigned tasks.

“Hey, Leafan, isn’t my workload too light?”

All I did was manage item inventory and go around asking soldiers if they had any problems.

“Your job is to rest, Craft! Be ready to act immediately if anything happens!”

“Oh...”

I realized I hadn’t fully embraced my role as Kyle’s bodyguard.

I decided to rest in a wagon prepared next to Kyle and Maina’s lodging wagon.

Then, Jabil-sensei approached.

“Craft, may I have a word?”

“Of course, sensei. I’ll make some tea, so please have a seat.”

“Alright.”

I threw tea leaves into a pot and poured hot water.

I created the hot water with magic.

Using magic like this was unimaginable in my adventurer days.

I handed the tea to Jabil-sensei, feeling sorry for the cheap cup.

“Hmm. You should learn how to brew tea better.”

“Uh... Sorry. Even with the same tea leaves, Ryuuko’s tea tastes better...”

“Think of it like alchemy. It’s the same as managing extraction temperatures with medicinal herbs.”

I hadn’t thought of that!

“I’ll practice.”

From now on, I’ll learn tea brewing from Ryuuko as part of my training.

As I resolved this, sensei’s expression tightened.

“Alright, back to the main topic. How much do you know about orichalcum?”

“Orichalcum?”

“Yes.”

It’s an alloy of mithril and adamantite, well-balanced in weight and magical properties, making it ideal for both weapons and armor.

Moreover, it can be used as a convenient communication device due to its psychic responsiveness when alchemically processed.

I conveyed this to sensei using technical terms.

But sensei weakly shook his head.

“What I’m asking is not the characteristics of the metal itself. It’s about the impact of orichalcum.”

“Impact...?”

Should I think of it as causing three times the commotion when mithril was discovered?

“Alright, it’s lecture time. Firstly, orichalcum itself is almost unknown.”

“Indeed, even adventurers are often unaware of it.”

“That’s just a rumor about a remarkable metal, right?”

Well, never mind.

“I have a good idea.”

“What is it?”

“Since Raidoc is likely to shine again this time, how about giving him an orichalcum sword as a special reward to divert attention?”

“Hmm.”

Sensei crossed her arms and stayed silent for a while.

“It’s a bit too much for a reward.”

“Indeed... I’ll adjust with Kyle.”

“Yes. Kyle will come up with a good pretext.”

I’m very pleased that sensei trusts Kyle.

“Regarding orichalcum, continue consulting Kyle.”

“Understood.”

Just then, the sound of battle echoed from outside.

“What!?”

I jumped out of the wagon to see Kyle’s resting private soldiers bustling.

One of them rushed toward me.

“Craft! A group of hydras is approaching from ten o’clock! We can handle them, but there are many! Please stay with Kyle just in case!”

“Got it!”

I hurried to Kyle and Myrna’s wagon with Jabil-sensei.

Not that far, though.

Then, self-proclaimed adventurer Van Vine stood in front of the wagon.

A red-haired bearded man, probably a noble.

“I heard the hydras in this area were significantly reduced. Are they back?”

Van calmly stroked his chin.

I think he’s lying about being an adventurer, but he seems accustomed to rough situations.

“We were supposed to clear the shallow areas and this part of the swamp before moving on. You understand why?”

Van shrugged.

“Yeah. Because this vast swamp is swarming with hydras.”

“Exactly. The plan was to eliminate as many hydras as possible before advancing into the extremely dense central part of the swamp.”

“Helping people takes priority, huh?”

“Yes.”

Zaid is annoying, but he’s still Kyle’s brother.

I want Zaid to suffer, but saving him alive is urgent, considering Kyle’s kind nature.

The battle sounds intensified.

Kyle peeked out from the wagon, looking anxious.

“Craft-niisama...”

I smiled to reassure him.

“It’s alright. There are many, but your soldiers are excellent.”

“I know, but...”

They don’t seem to be struggling, but should I help?

As I hesitated, Van grinned.

“Alright. I’ll go.”

Van grabbed a giant white sword as tall as himself.