Yesterday, we stayed in a vacant room borrowed from Jiza.
When we entered the room, four people were already gathered there, looking at the "Magical Steel Ore."
They took deep breaths, repeatedly checking it over and over.
The ore I took out was about the size of a human fist.
It seemed like an exaggerated reaction, but was it really that rare?
"What are you talking about?"
That was Kaijin's response.
The following is his explanation.
"Magical Ore" is the raw material of "Magical Steel." Even in its raw form, it has a value comparable to gold.
The reason is simple: its rarity and the usefulness of its applications.
"Mana," an element that constitutes this world, did not exist in the previous world but plays a significant role here.
When monsters are defeated, they occasionally drop lumps of "Mana Stones," which are concentrations of mana.
These Mana Stones are like lumps of energy and serve as fuel for the unique inventions of this world, known as spirit engineering.
Moreover, the cores of higher-level monsters, which are also called Mana Stones, are more beautiful than jewels and contain a different unit of energy.
As a result, higher-level Mana Stones are used as cores for various products.
Craftsmen also use these materials to create processed items.
Their performance can enhance the wearer's abilities or provide various additional effects.
And, "Magical Ore" has a crucial difference from ordinary ores.
It can only be collected near higher-level monsters.
This is because the ore, over a long period, absorbs a large amount of mana from areas with high mana concentration, mutating into this material.
It is almost a mutation of the mineral.
Naturally, areas with high mana concentration are inhabited by powerful monsters.
In places where low-level monsters, which adventurers can easily defeat, live, it is difficult to find "Magical Ore."
It seems that "Magical Ore" only exists in the habitats of monsters of at least B-rank.
Additionally, this was the first time I heard about the rank system of monsters.
"Really! Then, am I about B-rank?"
"????????? (If you think so, then yes. Inside you!!!)"
Perhaps, everyone except the foolish Gobuta had the same thought.
Let's leave the fool aside.
Despite being so rare, "Magical Ore" contains only 3-5% of "Magical Steel."
In other words, even though it's the size of a fist, the value of a "Magical Steel Ore" is about 20 times that of an equivalent amount of gold.
The value of gold is almost the same as in the original world.
This is because a gold standard system is adopted as a common benchmark across different countries.
I believe you understand its value.
Indeed, as I thought, it was a rare metal.
Still, I didn't miss such a place!!!
Moreover, I was a bit scared to have such a large amount of "Magical Steel Ore," but that's a secret.
It probably won't be discovered... but, what if it does? Is that a commoner's way of thinking?
So, the main point is from now on.
The high value of "Magical Steel" is not just because it is rare.
The true reason for its value lies in its excellent compatibility with the induction of mana.
Mana can be manipulated to some extent through imagery.
My "Mana Detection" and "Water Manipulation" are also performed by manipulating mana.
Most of the skills of monsters also have mana as their source.
In the case of magic, I think it works on a similar principle.
So, what happens if a large amount of mana is included in the material of a weapon?
Surprisingly, it seems to create a "growing weapon"!
What a dream!!!
Eh, what's that? I want it!!!
I held back, but the words were almost out of my mouth.
A weapon that gradually changes its form according to the user's imagery.
And, depending on the user's mana, it can also freely change its shape during battle!
Moreover, due to its high affinity with mana, the power of skills also increases.
In a sense, compared to ordinary weapons, if there is a significant difference in skill, the side with a magical weapon would win.
Of course, this is assuming a lot of money and technology are invested. If a pure "Magical Steel" blade is fitted with a higher-level Mana Stone, could it create something like a "Flame Sword" or an "Ice Sword"?
My heart is shouting, "Make it quickly!!!"
But I mustn't panic.
Feeling that it might be possible, I want to get my hands on a Mana Stone if I get the chance.
After a long explanation, Kaijin and the three others started working.
For the sake of our education, we should observe.
Gobuta will probably just sleep...
There are various types of swords.
If I say the strongest sword in my mind, it's definitely a katana.
However, there are various types of swords. It was exciting to think about what kind of sword to make.
After 10 hours of work, a simple longsword was made.
Hmm? A lot of Magical Steel is left over.
It was only about the size of a fist. I wondered if it was enough material for one sword...
But apparently, if all the material is made of Magical Steel, it's hard to know how much will be used!
Thinking about it, it makes sense.
That's why ideas like a "Flame Sword," "Ice Sword," or "Lightning Sword" don't come up. They are too expensive.
Kaijin convinced me. Indeed!
The core is made of Magical Steel, and the blade is formed with ordinary steel.
Still, the mana in the Magical Steel erodes the steel part of the blade, eventually integrating them.
Older weapons tend to be stronger.
Even when they get old, the blade doesn't rust or chip, which is a characteristic.
Interestingly, it seems the sword has a life of its own. When it breaks or becomes deformed, the mana leaks out and repairs it instantly.
While showing a well-tempered sword, he told this story.
It was quite an interesting story.
I held the newly made sword in my hand. (I don't have hands, but it's a feeling.)
Looking closely, it was simply made with no deformities.
It could be said to have no unnecessary parts.
It's not a katana, but it seems capable of cutting with its edge.
Indeed, this is the base from which it changes according to each person's purpose!
Thinking about it, it makes sense to make it simple and leave the rest to the user.
Well, ah.
Kaijin and the three others, as promised, made an excellent sword for me.
Now, it's my turn.
"Great! From here on, I'll do a secret operation. After checking the materials, please, everyone, go outside the room!"
Saying that, everyone went outside.
No matter what, I can't show the production method. Mainly because explaining it is a hassle!
"Materials, I'll take everything in this room. Is that okay? If you need help, I can lend a hand?"
"Hmm. It's fine! Rather, don't look into this room for three days? It's a promise!"