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

Today is the day Estel promised to meet with Anneli.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with me, Onii-san?"

"Hmm, I think it's better if I don't go."

On the way to Queres' Adventurers' Guild, where Estel was meeting up with Anneli, she asked me if I would come along, her eyebrows furrowed. After dropping her off at the guild, I planned to head back home. After all, it would be awkward for me to join them when Estel is just meeting girls her age to have fun.

Since I told her yesterday that I wouldn’t be joining, she had been wearing a complex expression, torn between excitement and nervousness. Understandably, she felt uneasy about going out alone for the first time. Until now, Estel had never gone out by herself, so I hoped this experience would help her get used to it.

"Don't look so anxious. I get that it's your first time, but you're just going to have fun."

"I know, but I'm more nervous about this than fighting monsters."

It's a bit concerning that fighting monsters is more comfortable for her... Hearing that makes me anxious. But then again, I also find hunting more relaxing than meeting people, though I wouldn't say it out loud.

"You'll fit right in, Estel. Just be yourself and have fun."

"You're right. It would be rude to seem anxious when I'm finally getting to meet them."

"That's the spirit."

As we approached the guild, Estel seemed to gather her resolve, making a small fist pump and changing her expression to one of determination. She'll be fine, I thought. Estel is capable, and I don't need to worry. As long as there's no fighting, everything should be alright.

As Estel regained her composure, we finally saw the Adventurers' Guild ahead. Standing in front of it was Myra, waiting for us.

"Oh, I hope we didn't keep you waiting. Sorry if we did."

"No, I just got here myself. Besides, the carriage hasn't arrived yet, so it's fine."

I had hoped to arrive early, but Myra was already here. When Estel spoke to her, Myra's cheeks turned red, and she smiled happily. It's quite a change from when she was hostile. Estel's magic must have left a strong impression.

"Please take care of Estel today."

"Being asked like that is overwhelming!"

"Haha, just treat her well."

When I asked Myra to look after Estel, she waved her hands frantically. She seemed a bit exaggerated, but maybe it's just because we haven't talked much yet. Hopefully, this will improve over time. Estel, seeing this, smiled wryly and started chatting.

After a while, a carriage arrived in front of the guild. Someone jumped out and hugged both Estel and Myra.

"Estel, Myra, I'm here!"

"Kya! Don’t just jump on us like that."

"Hehe, sorry."

"Anneli is always like this..."

Anneli hugged Estel and Myra, causing Estel to blush in embarrassment. It's rare to see Estel looking genuinely embarrassed. She usually says embarrassing things to me with a straight face, but with girls her age, she seems different. Myra, already used to it, accepted Anneli's embrace with a smile.

With that in mind, I greeted Egon, who was driving the carriage.

"Egon-san, it's been a while."

"Yeah, it's been a while. You're not in your usual gear today."

"Well, no jobs today."

Not heading to the hunting grounds, I wasn't wearing my armor. Maybe it's unusual to see me in regular clothes.

After a brief greeting, Estel and the others boarded the carriage.

"I'll be here to pick you up before evening. Contact me if anything happens. If I'm not around, wait inside the guild."

"Okay, I understand."

Anneli's carriage would bring Estel back to the guild before dark. I'll come to pick her up before evening. With that, I sent them off and headed home.

●

"Welcome back!"

"I'm home."

When I entered the house, Noru greeted me while brushing Mofuto. The little creature lay on a cloth, enjoying the grooming.

"How was Estel?"

"She seemed fine."

"That's good."

"Were you worried too, Noru?"

"She seemed anxious since the plans were made. I'm relieved to hear she's fine."

"Oh, I didn't realize she'd been worried for so long. I noticed only yesterday."

I thought I was good at noticing these things, but I didn't see how anxious she was.

"So, what will you do while Estel is out? Going hunting?"

"Not quite. I think I'll tinker with the synthesis machine."

"Are you going to start serious synthesis?"

With Estel out, I didn't plan on a major hunt today. Maybe just gathering some magic stones. More importantly, I wanted to try using the synthesis machine again.

"Though, I don't have many good materials."

"How about synthesizing the Trent logs?"

"Yeah, that's a good idea. We have plenty of those."

I decided to try synthesizing the Trent logs with Excaliburl. After 12 attempts, it was successful.

――――――

●Excaliburl☆29

Attack Power +3290

Action Speed +190%

Status Effect: Poison (Small)

Wood Special Effect: Damage +10%

――――――

"How does it look?"

"Wood special effect... Are you going to become a lumberjack?"

"No way! Though, it could help against Trents..."

The wood special effect might be useful against Trents, but their tendrils are more problematic. Still, it's better than nothing. It's tempting to use more magic stones for further synthesis.

"Excaliburl has become quite impressive. Look at that shine."

"I think the shine hasn't changed... Though, its performance is impressive."

Examining Excaliburl, it emitted a mystical golden glow. Noru might think it's the same, but it definitely shines brighter than before. This weapon is growing on me. To express my gratitude, I began cleaning it near Noru, who was grooming Mofuto.

"Ouch!"

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just a little cut. The edge is incredibly sharp for a bar."

Just a slight touch cut my finger. Twenty-eight enhancements will do that.

"With all the enhancements, it's bound to be sharp... But this isn't the time to admire it!"

"Huh? Why are you panicking?"

As I marveled at the sharpness, Noru suddenly panicked.

"The poison! It's got a poison effect!"

"Oh, crap! Sisya, come here!"

I forgot it had a poison effect! Even a small one is dangerous. I shouted for Sisya, who was somewhere in the house.

"Honestly... I wondered why I was called. Poison at home? Really?"

"I'm really sorry. Whose idea was it to add poison to Excaliburl?"

"Yours... You should be careful when cleaning it."

Sisya was in her room but came immediately when called, looking exasperated as she cast a cure spell. This was my first time being poisoned since coming here. The damage was minor, but it was still a scare. I need to be more careful in the future.

"Alright, time to hunt."

"Where to without Estel?"

"Hmm, I'll be picking her up later, so maybe some light hunting for Black Orcs. I can handle them alone, so you can do whatever you want."

After dealing with the synthesis, I thought about hunting. I didn't want to exhaust myself with tough monsters, so Black Orcs seemed a good choice. Feeling guilty about dragging them along every time, I suggested going alone.

"No way! It's dangerous to go alone!"

"Exactly. It's not fair to hunt alone. I’ll join you."

"Really? Alright, let's go together then..."

Noru and Sisya both protested for different reasons. Sisya's reasoning sounded a bit ominous, but having them with me was reassuring.

●

After a light hunt with Sisya, gathering about 30 magic stones, we finished for the day.

Upon returning home, I used the beacon to travel to Queres to wait for Estel at the guild. After a while, Egon-san arrived with the carriage, and Estel and Myra, both smiling and looking like they had a great time, stepped out. Anneli gave them both a quick hug before waving and riding off in the carriage.

We parted ways with Myra, and I took Estel back home.

"Hehe, just as you said, Onii-san, my worries were for nothing."

"See? It was just a fun day out, no need to be so nervous."

Unlike the anxious expression she had earlier, Estel was now smiling happily. It seemed she got along well with Anneli and Myra and had a great time.

"...Heiha would probably be a nervous wreck in that situation."

"S-Shut up! Don't say unnecessary things!"

"Is it a bullseye?"

"Daisan, you’re always so transparent. It's amusing to watch."

Runa, who had woken up just before evening, made an unnecessary comment after hearing my words. It may be a bullseye, but still... This isn’t the time to point that out! Sisya shouldn’t be finding this amusing!

"Myra told me about the classes at Ristaria Academy. It sounds like they’re doing some interesting things."

"Really? So interesting that even you find it appealing?"

If Estel says it’s interesting, Ristaria Academy must be doing some impressive stuff. Curious, I asked her to explain briefly. 

Apparently, Ristaria Academy is divided into two tracks: those aiming to join the military as magicians, and those who create or research magical tools. Myra is on the magical tools track, learning to process magical stones and make potions. That’s why she was at Christian’s lab the other day.

As for the military track, Estel didn’t know the details, but they train in magical combat and riding wyverns, creatures that fly and resemble dragons.

"Why would magicians need to train to ride wyverns?"

"Riding a wyvern sounds fun! I could become a dragon knight... Mufufu."

"But Noru, you wouldn't have any means of attacking."

"Oh... Well, I’d rely on spirit!"

"Can you solve everything with spirit...?"

Noru was giggling to herself, lost in her imagination. While she might be able to ride one without issues, her sword skills wouldn’t be much use on a wyvern.

But still... does this country’s military have it that together? Having aerial forces ready... 

"I could attack with my spear from a wyvern. Not having to move myself to attack sounds great."

"Your criteria are based on how easy it is..."

"Of course. Moving is losing."

I was impressed, but Runa's comment deflated the mood again. While it’s good that she’s gotten close to Sisya, her lazy nature hasn’t changed.