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

"As for the gem processing workshop, where should we go?" I asked.

"Even if you ask me that... where should we go?"

We had eagerly left the guild, ready to head to a gem processing workshop, but found ourselves hesitating, unsure of where to go. We knew of the difference between workshops that use tools and those that use magic, but not in detail.

"We didn't really understand from just hearing about it. Why don't we visit a few places and see for ourselves?" suggested Sisya.

"Right, let's do that. Let's check out a few of the recommended places."

With that, we decided to visit the places we were told about. By comparing their work, we might understand the differences better. Since our usual combat attire would be out of place, we used the Dimension Room to change into casual clothes before heading to the shops.

"I never thought I'd be picking out a gem and making accessories," I remarked.

"Ookura-san, you don't seem like the type who would be involved in such things... I mean, it doesn't seem like you'd have many connections for that," Sisya teased.

"Alright, alright, I get it! No need to rub it in!"

It was true, but it still stung to hear it out loud. Despite being nudged into this by Sisya, I didn't expect to have such an opportunity.

After some playful banter, we arrived at the first jewelry store. Inside, it was dimly lit, with only an orange glow illuminating the space. Numerous display cases with transparent tops stood on wooden platforms, each showcasing necklaces and rings with gleaming gems. Even someone like me, who isn't interested in jewelry, felt a certain thrill looking at them.

"Amazing, Ookura-san! The shine is completely different from the raw gems!" Sisya exclaimed.

"Well, they’re processed after all."

"Thinking about how the gems we collected might look like this makes me excited."

Sisya's eyes sparkled as she admired the display cases, her enthusiasm palpable. Despite her claims of disinterest in gems, seeing the real thing seemed to have changed her mind. If she wanted one, I might consider getting her something as well.

As we were browsing, a female shop attendant approached us.

"How can I help you today?"

"Um, we heard that you can process raw gems into jewelry here..." I began.

"Do you have the raw gems with you now?"

"Yes, here they are..."

I quickly pulled out the red and yellow gems from my bag and handed them to her.

"These are fine quality raw gems. What would you like them made into?"

"I'd like the red one made into a ring. Sisya, what about the yellow one?"

"A bracelet, please!"

"Got it."

"Please, follow me."

Sisya opted for a bracelet instead of a necklace. As we were about to move to a table for consultation, I realized we hadn't decided on this store yet, and hastily stopped.

"Sorry, but we want to check out some other stores first."

"No problem. It's only natural to be careful when choosing a place to process raw gems. However, I'd be happy to discuss your options with you briefly."

Unable to refuse, we decided to hear her out before making a decision. She explained that this store could process the gems into polished stones and then into jewelry. The design would be based on the condition of the raw gem. It seemed like a thorough process, though it might be a bit high-level for a surprise gift. The cost varied depending on the metal used for the ring, from 100,000 to 200,000 G. That seemed reasonable.

After leaving the first store, we continued to the next few shops. Sisya was again glued to the display cases, admiring the jewelry.

"You’re looking pretty intently. Have you decided you want one for yourself?"

"No, I’m just getting ideas for Runa's gift. You should do the same for Estel's gift, Ookura-san."

"You're right."

She was right. Although I wasn’t well-versed in jewelry, it was important to get some ideas. We continued to browse, discussing the various designs.

After visiting four stores, we had a better idea of what we wanted, but there wasn’t a clear standout among them.

"Next is a place that uses magic for processing," I said.

"I’m looking forward to seeing how it differs from the others," Sisya replied.

Since it was unclear which store to choose, we decided to check out the magic processing store.

---

After walking for a while, we finally arrived at the store.

"It’s smaller compared to the others," I noted.

"But it has the right atmosphere."

The store was smaller and less conspicuous compared to the previous ones. Inside, it was dimly lit by lanterns. The display cases held jewelry that shone even more brilliantly than the previous stores. The gemstones seemed to sparkle intensely despite the low light. This must be the magic-processed jewelry.

"Are you looking for a gift for your girlfriend?" a young female attendant asked.

"Huh... Are you talking about the person next to me?"

Caught off guard by the question, I glanced at Sisya. Did she just assume Sisya was my girlfriend?

"Calling me his girlfriend... Oh my, how embarrassing. Shall we choose this store, Ookura-san?"

"No, no, no! We're not dating!"

"You don't have to deny it so vehemently."

Sisya blushed and swayed, clearly enjoying the moment. I wish she’d stop giving the wrong impression.

"Sorry about that. I just assumed since you were a couple..."

"No, it’s fine. Please, don't tease me, Sisya."

"Sorry about that," Sisya apologized, trying to contain her laughter.

Understanding the misunderstanding, I decided to inquire about the gems.

"These gems are processed using magic, right?"

"Yes. Not just the gems, but the metals in the jewelry are also processed with magic."

So, the entire piece was magic-processed. I explained that we wanted to have our raw gems processed.

"You'd like to have these processed... May I see them?"

"Sure, here they are."

She placed the gems on a transparent plate on the counter, which glowed red for the red gem and yellow for the yellow gem. Was this some kind of magical tool?

"Let's see... This is a ruby, and this is a topaz. These are excellent quality."

She could identify the gems just by placing them on the plate. Impressive.

"Did you get these from the Lapis in Rugen Valley?"

"Yes, we hunted a lot of them to get these."

"Hunted... So you’re adventurers?"

"Yes."

"Do you have more raw gems?"

"Yes, I do. Let me show you."

I didn’t see any reason to hide it, so I pulled out around ten raw gems of varying sizes from my bag. As I placed each one on the counter, the attendant's expression turned to surprise. By the time I placed the palm-sized gem, she was stunned.

"Wow... How did you get so many raw gems?"

"We couldn't decide, so we kept hunting until we had enough to choose from."

"It’s more than enough!"

The attendant's excitement was evident. If Estel and Runa's gifts turn out well, I might consider selling the rest.

"Sorry for my reaction. It’s just incredible to see such a haul from Rugen Valley. You must be quite accomplished adventurers."

"We're B-rank, not exactly famous."

"B-rank... impressive."

Gathering these raw gems had indeed been a hassle, but with our beacon, it was manageable. Without it, it would have been much harder. With the conversation straying, I brought it back to the gems.

"The gems here are much more brilliant than those processed with tools."

"Yes, magic processing enhances the brilliance."

I was aware of this, but seeing the difference in person was striking. Even in dim light, the gems sparkled intensely.

"Is there anything else different about them?"

"Yes. For those with magical power, we can infuse the gem with magic. Many magic users prefer this as it adds a personal touch. However, it doesn’t function like a magic stone that grants abilities, it’s more of a sentimental addition."

Infusing the gem with magic... That seemed perfect for a gift. While I do have MP, my abilities outside of it are uncertain.

"Does infusing it with magic change the color?"

"No, the color remains the same regardless of who infuses it."

Thank goodness. It wouldn’t turn gray like the mushrooms in Alde Forest. As I breathed a sigh of relief, Sisya hesitantly raised her hand.

"Um... If I infuse the gem with magic, it won't have any adverse effects, right? Like a priest's magic causing a healing effect?"

"No, I’ve never heard of that happening. But if you're worried, you can try it with this sample stone."

"Please, let me try!"

Sisya eagerly took the white stone from the attendant. She must have been worried about potential negative effects on Runa. After all, a bracelet that makes someone feel ill would be a disaster. Having heard enough, we decided to discuss our options.

"What do you think? I feel like this place is the best choice," I said.

"I agree. I think we should choose this store."

After some deliberation, we decided this was the place to go. The quality of the products and the ability to infuse magic made it a clear choice.

"Excuse me, we’d like to proceed with our order here."

"Yes! I'd be happy to help!"

The attendant responded with enthusiasm. She had a lot of energy. We began discussing the specifics of our orders, but a problem arose.

"For the ring, do you know the recipient's ring size?"

"Um... I don’t. Can I find out and

 come back tomorrow?"

"That’s fine."

Oh no, I hadn’t thought about the ring size. We had to pause and plan to return tomorrow.

"I forgot about the size..."

"That was a bit of an oversight. We’ve never had size issues with gacha items, though."

"Yeah, why is that?"

Gacha items had always fit perfectly, whether they were bracelets, rings, or shoes. There had never been an issue with size.

"Try my Skull Ring. Here."

"It fits. How about mine?"

"It fits perfectly. Let’s try different fingers."

We tested different fingers, and the rings fit perfectly every time. It seemed that gacha items adjusted their size magically. Realizing this was a bit shocking.

"Gacha items really are incredible, aren’t they?"

"Indeed... We’ve never noticed until now."

Magic-enhanced items adjusting to the wearer wasn’t surprising, but it was still remarkable.

Setting aside this revelation, we needed to figure out how to proceed without knowing Estel’s ring size.

"Now what? I didn’t think of this."

"Well, there are many different types of jewelry. While surprises are nice, it might be best to confirm with Estel to ensure she gets something she likes."

Surprising her would be nice, but ensuring she gets something she likes is more important. It seems like we’ll need to discuss this further with Sisya.

[TL notes: I would be happy if you gave `The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology` a read pretty fun story :D]