Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps

We were captured in front of the Adventurers' Guild and followed the woman through the streets of Queres.

"Ookura-dono, are you sure this is okay?"

"Well, there's no choice. We managed to avoid bringing Estel, and if we can satisfy her with just talking to us, then that's fine."

"You said we'd be back soon, but if we take too long, Estel-san might get angry."

"Ugh, well, Estel should understand if we explain the situation... probably."

Given the woman's overwhelming enthusiasm, we decided to talk with her ourselves. She repeatedly begged to see Estel, but when I threatened to cancel the discussion altogether, she reluctantly agreed. I can't trust someone just because they say they're not trying to recruit her.

After following the woman for a while, we arrived at our destination. It was a two-story house made entirely of white stone, situated a bit away from the residential area. Next to it was a large building that looked like a factory. The entrance had a double door, but one side was missing and replaced with a wooden board taped up. Probably, the rampaging doll from yesterday came from there...

Inside, the place was a mess with things scattered everywhere and holes in the walls. While we were speechless at the sight, the woman led us to the back, saying not to worry about it.

"I'm sorry for taking up your time. I'm Kurisutia, a magic researcher. You can call me Chris."

"Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Ookura Heiha."

Despite being shaken by the state of the room, we sat on the couch in the guest room, facing Chris.

"Thank you for saving me yesterday. It was really dangerous."

"No worries. But what was that thing yesterday? I understand it's some kind of magical device since you're a magic researcher."

"Glad you asked! That was a magic doll we're developing in this lab!"

So it was a magic doll... pretty straightforward name. I thought it would be something like a golem, made of rock or metal, but it was more like a robot—slender and human-like. Queres is a magical city, so I guess they invest heavily in these things.

"Though, I was making it as a personal hobby. I worked on it bit by bit between other projects."

"You made that on your own!?"

"That's amazing!"

"To create something like that as a hobby... Chris, you're quite the researcher."

To make that as a hobby, and on her own... This woman might be odd, but she's incredibly talented.

"Thank you... but it went berserk and caused all that damage."

She scratched her head and laughed, then dropped her shoulders, looking down. Yeah, creating something only for it to destroy your house must be rough.

"So, how did you know we were going back to the Guild? And where were you watching us from?"

The atmosphere was getting heavy, so I changed the topic. I was curious how she knew we were going back and where she was watching us from. It might be useful information for the future.

"From your outfits, I could tell you were adventurers. I saw your plates too, so I knew for sure. After that, I went to the Guild to ask about you, but they wouldn't tell me much. So, I kept watch from a place where I could see the Guild with this!"

She showed us a long tube... a telescope. So she was doing the same thing I was. No wonder the map app didn’t detect her.

"But that young mage in your party is truly amazing. To stop my magic doll in an instant..."

"You could tell how skilled she is from that?"

Chris got excited talking about Estel. All she did was stop the doll; how did that show her skills?

"The magic doll has a pathway to circulate mana inside it, controlling its movements. The rampage was due to that pathway being messed up..."

"Okay, I see."

I didn’t fully understand, but it seemed like the doll was controlled by some sort of magical circuitry.

"After returning to the lab, I checked how she stopped it. The pathway had been altered to function correctly!"

Oh, she did mention something about the mana being disturbed and touched it with her staff. She did all that in an instant?

"Usually, this requires magical tools in the lab. Ordinary mages can't see the pathways without them. But that girl fixed it instantly! Do you understand how extraordinary this is!?"

"Okay, okay, calm down."

"When she's passionate, she talks really fast, just like Sisya."

"Wait, do I talk like that?"

"Can't you just ask someone in town to do the same?"

"...No. The only ones who could do that are the Sage Ignalt or the Royal Knights."

"That's quite something..."

Wow, that escalated quickly. Comparing her to the Sage and the Royal Knights? If Estel keeps this up, the kingdom might take notice.

Considering how much she’s shown her magic already, she might already be known. I'll have to remind her to be more discreet in the future.

"She's doing more amazing things than I thought."

"Can you do the same, Sisya?"

"Who do you think I am? I'm a priestess, of course not."

"You don't say that with such confidence..."

So, even though Sisya can use magic, she's not on the same level as Estel. Estel is indeed exceptional... a genius.

●

After finishing our talk with Chris, we decided to head home with the horses. Chris’s main goal was to meet Estel, but she seemed satisfied with just meeting us this time. Having a contact in Queres is good, but she seems a bit intense...

We went to the Guild, got our horses, and used the beacon to teleport back home.

"Brother, you're late."

As soon as we arrived, we heard Estel's voice. She was sitting on a chair in front of the beacon, waiting for us, pouting and glaring at me.

"Oh, uh... sorry."

"You said you'd be back soon. Did something go wrong?"

"Yes, you're right. I'm really sorry."

I didn't want to make excuses, so I just apologized. We did say we'd be back soon, but we ended up taking much longer.

"So, why were you late?"

"Well, we got caught by that woman from yesterday... and ended up talking with her."

"Oh, so you were chatting with another woman while leaving me here? That's so mean..."

"No, that's not it!"

Estel looked genuinely sad, turning her face away. This felt worse than if she were just angry.

"Haha, I'm just joking. You always react so well."

"Guh... It's hard to tell when you're joking, Estel..."

"Half of it was true, though."

"What?"

She smiled but then turned serious, saying half of it was true. Wait, so was she joking or not?

"Haha, that was a joke too."

Estel laughed again, saying it was a joke. I can't tell if she's serious or not.

"Estel, let's stop teasing him. We found out something important today."

"Yes, we learned how exceptional Estel-san is as a mage. In a way, it was good."

"What did you talk about? I'm curious."

Noru joined the conversation, and Estel returned to her usual self. I sighed in relief. Now that the mood was lighter, I told Estel about what we discussed with Chris.

"So, please be more careful with your magic. We don't want you to attract unwanted attention."

"Would you protect me if that happened?"

"Of course."

Estel smiled, asking jokingly. I answered immediately. If someone tries to take Estel, I’ll stand against them, even if it's the kingdom!

"Do you want me to fall more in love with you?"

"Uh, no, I mean, as a comrade, I would protect you."

Estel blushed and fidgeted. Wait, I thought she was joking...

"Oh, then would you do the same for me?"

"Of course."

"And me too?"

"Obviously. Do you think I’d only protect Estel?"

Noru and Sisya joined in, asking if I’d protect them too. Why would they think I’d only protect Estel?

"We're just happy to hear you say it."

"R-right."

"Indeed. Though usually unreliable, you do have moments like this that make me think highly of you."

"Are you complimenting me or picking a fight?"

Noru was genuinely happy, but Sisya's backhanded compliment almost made me stumble.

After more playful banter, we decided to deal with the horses.

"Are we really putting the horses in Mofuto's shed?"

"Yeah, we'll keep them here for a few days and then return them to the Capital."

"Understood... but Mofuto might get angry."

Noru opened the pet shed, revealing a vast grassy field inside, illuminated as if it were daytime. It was another dimension, maintaining an ideal environment for the animals.

"Mofuto, come here!"

Mofuto hopped out, making squeaky noises, and approached Noru.

"Wow, the inside of the shed is like this."

"Amazing, it makes you want to go inside."

"You almost did, Noru."

"Please, don't bring that up!"

Estel and Sisya were fascinated by the shed's interior. I accidentally mentioned Noru's attempt to enter the shed before, causing her to hurriedly cover my mouth.

We adjusted the shed to a larger size and led the horses inside. Just as I thought it was all set...

Mofuto stomped on the floor, glaring at us and squeaking angrily.

"He’s angry... Mofuto, I'm sorry. It's just for a while."

Noru picked up Mofuto and patted his head. The squeaking softened, but Mofuto still seemed displeased.

Well, it seemed like a good idea, but Mofuto probably felt his home was taken away. I should have thought this through better.