The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 71: Fire Magic Tool

Episode 71: Fire Magic Tool

The moment I pushed open the guild’s door, the dry creak of wood and the bustle of adventurers struck my ears.

It was around evening. So adventurers who had finished their quests were probably gathering to make their reports.

At the back of the hall, I could see a young pair quarreling. But that was an everyday occurrence.

Without paying attention to my surroundings, I walked over to the reception counter.

Sitting there was the familiar receptionist. When she noticed me, she blinked once.

“Oh, Alphonse-san. You’ve returned, I see. Good work.”

“Good work. Here, please.”

From the leather pouch at my waist, I took out tusks—several of the metallic tusks characteristic of the Savage Boar—wrapped in cloth. I handed them over.

As always, the calm receptionist accepted them and said,

“Let’s see… yes, confirmed. Please wait a moment.”

With practiced hands, she began processing. The Savage Boar ravages farmland and is considered equivalent to C rank. So its subjugation rewards are set somewhat high.

“Thank you for waiting. For this request: the base reward is 7 silver coins and 50 copper coins. Material appraisal is 9 silver coins and 68 copper coins. Total comes to 17 silver coins and 18 copper coins.”

Seventeen silver coins. Not a small amount for an adventurer. Even after deducting living expenses, it would be enough to set aside for training funds.

“Thank you very much.”

The moment I received the pouch, a heavy weight pressed into my palm. This weight was none other than the result of what I had accomplished today.

The receptionist let out a relieved breath and teased me with a smile.

“At this rate, Alphonse-san, your promotion to B rank doesn’t seem far off.”

“…I don’t think I’ve done enough yet to be called B rank.”

“Even so, from my perspective, it’s more than enough.”

I thanked her for her words. I then tucked the pouch into my chest, gave a bow, and stepped away from the counter.

Nearby, other adventurers were making their reports. I heard excuses about failing to bring down the target and complaints about reward amounts.

Among all that, the silver and copper coins I had just earned carried significant meaning.

(…The first step is complete. Next is—preparation.)

My gaze naturally turned toward the townscape beyond the guild doors. Preparation to gain “Fire Resistance”. To get that ready, my next destination was already decided.

◆

Passing through the cobblestone alley, I spotted a particularly old-fashioned wooden shop.

The worn sign showed that it dealt in magic tools. Through the glass, I could see shelves lined with magic stones and instruments of various sizes. Faint light was leaking out here and there.

When I pushed the door, a dry bell chime rang out. The interior smelled faintly dusty. The magic tools on the shelves were all aged. But that instead gave the impression of carrying the breath of veteran adventurers.

“Welcome.”

Behind the counter looked up an elderly man with a full beard. In the depths of his eyes flickered a light like that of a magic stone.

I gave a light nod and browsed the shelves. Stones that produced light when infused with magic, crystals that detected poison, portable purification devices… all things adventurers had surely picked up at least once. Among them, a small cylinder caught my eye.

“That’s a fire-starting magic tool,” 

The old man spoke up.

“Travelers and campers buy it, but usually just for fun. It’s only slightly more convenient than flint.”

It was a small device that fit in the palm. It had a red magic stone set into a silver ring. It looked simple, but I could feel the magic sealed within.

I picked it up and tested its weight. —Light. Yet it carried a density that proved it was more than mere ornament.

“Can I try it?”

“Sure, as long as you don’t break it. Do as you like.”

The old man moved his chin slightly. I exhaled quietly and poured magic from my fingertips. At once, the red magic stone pulsed faintly. And the next moment, a small flame lit up.

“…I see.”

Orange light wavered. It cast shadows across the wooden counter. At the same time, something appeared in my mind.

《MP: 99%》

(So rather than a lump sum drain, it slowly decreases as long as it’s maintained…)

I narrowed my eyes, watching the flame. Like in magic practice, it could be controlled. But only because the tool was the medium.

This was not fire I had ignited myself. Which is why this fire could serve as a “check.”

Still, I couldn’t keep playing with merchandise I hadn’t bought yet. I pulled back my fingers. I cut off the flow of magic. The fire went out, and the stone fell silent again.

“I’ll buy it.”

“Quick decision. Three silver coins.”

Three silver coins. But if it meant gaining “Fire Resistance”, it was a cheap investment. Without hesitation, I placed the coins before him.

“Confirmed… Use it well.”

I bowed slightly to the old man and left the store.

(If I consider supplementing offensive power, I can’t ignore the possibility of the Crimson-Body Crystal. But since I’ll be entering volcanic territory, basic “Fire Resistance” is indispensable. I can’t afford to neglect preparations.)

With each step across the cobblestones, the red of the setting sun seeped into my vision. Several options rose and fell in my mind.

Enhancing “Dash”—certainly necessary. But the immediate issue was attack power.

(Raising “Constant Activity” was also an option… but not now. First, I’ll prepare to obtain a Crimson-Body Crystal. For that, I need to secure “Fire Resistance” as quickly as possible.)

Leaving the magic tool shop, I headed for the potion shop.

Along the roadside, armor clattered, merchants called out, and a distinct scent of herbs and oils filled the air. My senses sharpened naturally.

I pushed open the door. The smell of herbs and alcohol hit my nose. Rows of small bottles reflected a dull glow under the sunset.

The shopkeeper noticed me, raised his brows slightly, and stroked his chin silently.

Coming here nearly every day, I had already become a familiar face.

I gave him a brief nod and scanned the shelves.

(…Three silver coins. Magic recovery potions are pricey.)

I had checked before, but confirming again—the magic recovery potion cost three silver coins. Same as the tool I just bought, yet consumable.

In games too, MP recovery was always more expensive than HP recovery. And here, it was the same.

I decided to purchase several magic recovery potions, some basic and intermediate healing potions, and a few status ailment cures. I left myself with just enough funds.

Then—my gaze stopped.

There was one bottle that radiated an unusual presence. Unlike the others, it bore no dust. As if sealed away from the outside world.

(…So it’s still here.)

A potion known as the level potion. Priced at ten gold coins.

At present, there was no need. But someday, when I wanted to develop a skill unrelated to combat—or when I had enough funds to part with ten gold coins—depending on timing, I might buy it.

I tore my gaze away. I had no intention of denying the training I had stacked with my own hands—yet even so, someday a time might come when I’d have “no choice but to choose it.”

I slung the pouch over my shoulder and left the store. Just before the door closed, I felt once more the presence of that bottle at my back.

Once you’ve seen something, it’s not easily forgotten. But whether I choose it or not—that’s still a matter for the future.

Original Author’s Comment:

――――――――――――

Thank you very much for reading up to this point!!

Next time, at last, training begins to obtain fire resistance!!

I’d be happy if you look forward to it. Please continue to support me…!!

(Here’s the link if you want to support the Author: https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176303375188.)