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

A few days had passed since we ordered Estel and Runa's jewelry. The pieces were finished and in their hands. Just before picking them up, I infused my magic into Estel's necklace, and Sisuha did the same for Runa's brooch. They didn’t have any special effects like magic stones, but the girls were thrilled, so it was all worth it. Choosing that magic processing shop was the right decision.

During the waiting period, we also finalized the additional reward for the magic source stone, and we received a whopping 15 million G at the Adventurers' Guild. Who knew a single stone could fetch that much? Magic-related items sure pay well.

With everything settled, today we were in Rugen Valley, keeping my promise to Noru. It was me, Noru, and Sisuha collecting raw stones.

"Mufufu, collecting gemstones is so much more fun!"

"Wow, Noru-san, you’ve gathered a lot. Oh, you’ve got rock salt mixed in."

"You’re really in high spirits. I wish you were this enthusiastic about collecting magic stones too."

"That's impossible!"

Noru, her hands full of raw stones and rock salt, happily swayed her hair as she returned to me. Before coming to Rugen Valley, we hunted black orcs in Goblin Forest, but her mood was entirely different. I wish she were this enthusiastic about magic stone hunting too... but that's probably asking too much. Even so, having Noru around makes things much more efficient. We've surpassed 1100 magic stones, and at this rate, 2000 is well within reach.

It seems she's still collecting rock salt... but that's okay. Lately, we've been grilling meat on slabs of rock salt, a trend that's caught on among us. It gives the meat a nice salty flavor, and it's delicious on its own. The rock salt here seems to be of high quality, so I'm all for stockpiling more.

"Noru, I've noticed you started using a sword recently."

While I was lost in thought, Noru seemed to take an interest in Sisuha’s magic blade. Sisuha must really like it because she has it holstered on her thigh. It looks rather sexy. She’s equipped it in a position where she can quickly grab it, ready to strike... Though it looks like a short rod at first glance, it’s deadly if used for a surprise attack.

"Hehe, you noticed. It’s perfect for cutting through Lapis. I can crush smaller ones with my staff or bare hands, or even explode them with Prominence Finger."

"You were always a bit unconventional, but now you’re completely not a priest anymore..."

"Oh, it’s nothing really."

Sisuha replied with a smug smile, but Noru seemed slightly exasperated. Even before, her fighting style with a staff and martial arts made her seem anything but a priest. Now, with gacha equipment that lets her blow things up and wield laser swords, she’s becoming more formidable... but that’s a good thing. Healing has become more of a side skill.

"By the way, Ookura-dono, what are you doing sitting on that?"

Finally, someone noticed. While we were talking, I had been sitting on a thin, floating silver disc. It’s a stretched-out Centibar, and I was practicing stabilizing myself on it. Moving smoothly from side to side and spinning around, I finally caught Noru's attention.

"Just training. This is a little trick with Centibar."

While Noru and Sisuha were hunting Lapis, I had been practicing with Centibar. Besides using it for attacks, it can also be used as a platform or a shield. I’ve only tested it against goblins so far, but I hope to use it in various ways eventually. While not necessary for general movement, it’s handy for navigating areas with a lot of vertical space.

"Wow, that's amazing."

"Attack, defense, and carrying people—it’s quite versatile. As expected of UR equipment. The only issue is that it’s being used by Ookura-san."

"You little..."

Grr, Sisuha... always with the unnecessary comments. I’ll show you who’s the best with Centibar!

"Go, Centibar!"

"Wha— Ahh!"

Jumping off Centibar, I sent it flying towards Sisuha. Just before it hit, I transformed it into liquid, wrapping it around her body. Then I hardened it, restraining her movements.

"Ugh, what are you doing?"

"Haha, serves you right! This is punishment for mocking me!"

"What are you doing, Ookura-dono..."

Haha, I managed to immobilize Sisuha! Even if it was a surprise attack, it has decent strength and should hold. She looks a bit uncomfortable, but she deserves it for mocking me. If it’s really too much, she’ll apologize, and I’ll release her...

But then, cracks started forming in the Centibar around Sisuha. The cracks spread rapidly.

"What the—"

"—Hah!"

"Ahhh! My Centibar!"

With a shout, Sisuha shattered the Centibar into glittering particles. No way! She broke it with brute strength!?

"It still needs to be three times stronger if you want to restrain me."

"Curse you... I’ll get you one day!"

"Stop playing around and check today's haul."

Sisuha flicked her hair back, looking triumphant. Ugh, so annoying! Maybe I’ll never be able to outsmart her... Ignoring my dejected state, Noru began laying out the raw stones she had collected. Maybe she’s just used to my antics by now.

"Hmm, none of these really stand out to me..."

"Noru, do you prefer blue stones?"

"Oh, you noticed!"

I guessed based on the amount of blue in her clothing, and I was right. My intuition isn’t so bad after all.

"But I feel bad taking too long to choose. I should decide soon..."

"Take your time. If you want, you can even pick one for Mofuto."

"Really!?"

She was comparing various blue stones, but none seemed to catch her fancy. They looked good to me, but her intuition is often sharp, so it's best to trust her.

"For Ookura-san to say that, you must have something in mind."

"Well, actually, when I sold the leftover raw stones at the shop, they bought them for a good price."

"Planning to make some money on the side?"

After picking up Estel and Runa's jewelry, I asked if they could buy the leftover raw stones. They eagerly agreed and bought 3 million G worth. If we sell the rest gradually, it could be a nice income stream.

"With the magic source stone reward and all the quests we’ve completed, we should have saved up quite a bit."

"Yes, and with our own house, expenses are low. We might consider getting a base in the Capital soon."

"Wow, are we getting a new house!?"

"It’s not decided yet."

Before we got our house, we spent a lot on inns, but that’s no longer an issue. We haven't made any big purchases since buying the house in Brune, and we've made a lot from mushrooms and magic stones in Queres. Having a house in the Capital could be convenient. We could hide the beacon indoors, making it easier to teleport there. It’s also safer than having it hidden outside where people might find it. While Brune will remain our main base without a House Extension, having another place could be useful.

"Alright, let’s hunt more Lapis to gather funds! ...and some rock salt too."

"You’re still collecting rock salt!"

"Haha, Noru-san never changes."

Gripping her sword and muttering about rock salt, Noru ran off, her ponytail swinging like a wagging tail. Smiling wryly, Sisuha and I followed her, resuming our hunt together.