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

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for always reading. Today, volume 3 of the book has been released. Also, a comic adaptation has been decided. Information about the special benefits of volume 3 has been posted in the activity report, so if you have time, please take a look.

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We sat down at a table in the association with Deus and his party to discuss where to go next.

"By the way, Sisya-san isn't with you today," Deus noted.

"Yeah, she had an errand to run, so we split up. Sorry I couldn't bring her along," I explained.

"No worries. Just being with you three is more than enough for hunting around here," Deus replied.

"I'm glad you think so highly of us... though I'm not sure I deserve it," I said modestly.

In truth, I would have liked to bring Sisya along, but leaving Freesia alone at home was too risky. Runa was asleep and couldn't be relied upon, so it was safer to have Sisya, who was good at taking care of things, stay back. Besides, unless we ventured into a labyrinth, Noru, Estel, and I were more than capable of handling the hunting around here. I'll let Sisya know that we might be home late.

However, not being able to take Freesia outside is going to be a problem for future requests. After today's hunt with Deus, I'll need to prioritize finding a solution.

"So, let's decide where to go. Did you have any specific place in mind, Deus?" I asked.

"No, we came to the association to choose a place, so we haven't decided yet. What about you, Ookura?" Deus inquired.

"We didn't have any specific place in mind either. We asked Wiggy-san for suggestions and were thinking about heading to the Shutgar Mine," I replied.

"Shutgar Mine? Please take us with you!" Deus exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement as he leaned in closer.

I was surprised by his enthusiasm. Maybe there was something specific he wanted from the mine. According to Wiggy, Shutgar Mine was mostly inhabited by gargoyles, with the occasional appearance of a giant stone monster called Colossus. It was said that rare Colossium ore could be obtained from it, which fetched a high price.

"Are you after the Colossium ore?" I asked.

"Yes, exactly. Is that what you're after too?" Deus responded.

"I heard it's valuable and wanted to check it out. How rare is it?" I questioned.

"It's even rarer than Stinger's Shell and highly sought after by many people, not just adventurers. A pot made from Colossium could cost over a million G," Deus explained.

"A pot worth over a million G? That's insane!" I exclaimed.

Deus's enthusiasm matched my curiosity about the ore, so we decided to head to Shutgar Mine together. However, Miguru looked a bit disappointed.

"You're lucky, Deus. I wanted to get some silk from the Tyrant Spiders in Sarat Forest," Miguru sighed.

"Sorry, but I can't handle spiders, so Sarat Forest was out of the question," Estel explained.

"Oh, I see. Well, that's okay. Estel-chan is cute for being afraid of spiders," Miguru teased.

"Being called cute for that is a bit...," Estel muttered, looking uncomfortable as Miguru hugged her.

"Are you not afraid of bugs, Miguru?" Estel asked.

"I used to be, but not anymore. I can even touch Gokibun with my bare hands now," Miguru boasted.

"Wow, you're just like me! Ookura and the others are just overreacting," Noru said happily.

"Really, Miguru? You can touch bugs without a problem?" I asked, astonished.

"As adventurers, we can't afford to hesitate over a few bugs. You get used to it, even if you find it unpleasant," Deus explained.

"Is that so? I guess I'll have to get used to it too," I sighed.

Miguru then got angry at Deus's remark about her no longer being "girly" and started chasing him around. Watching them made me realize how close they were.

●

After informing Sisya, we set out for Shutgar Mine. When I told her we were going hunting with Deus, she protested.

"Ookura-san, it's unfair that you get to go hunting without me! I want to join in on the fun too!"

She really wanted to test her Magic Blade against the tough monsters. I promised to take her along next time, and she reluctantly agreed.

Shutgar Mine was a two-day journey by horse, plus a half-day walk from a nearby village. We borrowed horses, and I rode behind Noru as I was still practicing. Estel rode with Miguru, and we set off for the village near the mine. Deus led the way until sunset, and we camped for the night.

"I didn't expect you couldn't ride a horse, Ookura," Deus said.

"Yeah, it's embarrassing. I'm practicing, but I'm not there yet," I admitted.

"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon," Noru encouraged.

"Ugh... I'll try," I sighed.

Noru's enthusiasm for my practice was a bit scary. As we set up camp, I noticed Miguru looking happy about having Estel ride with her.

"I got to ride with Estel-chan, so I'm happy," Miguru said with a grin.

"Thanks, but please don't laugh like that," Estel said, a bit unnerved.

After setting up the tent, Estel used her magic to light the firewood.

"Magic is so convenient," Deus remarked.

"Don't you have any magical tools to start fires?" I asked.

"We do, but they need to be recharged when the magic runs out, which is inconvenient," Deus explained.

"I remember the early days when we used flint to start fires. This is much easier," Miguru reminisced.

"Sounds tough. I guess I'm lucky I haven't had to deal with that," I said, feeling a bit inexperienced as an adventurer.

"Let's cook dinner!" Noru announced.

"Did you bring a pot?" I asked.

"And ingredients too. You're well-prepared," Estel noted.

"I always prepare for this, just in case!" Noru replied proudly.

She pulled out a sizable pot and ingredients, including carrot-like vegetables, and started cooking. I had planned to settle for simple preserved food, but Noru seemed intent on making a proper meal.

Deus and Miguru watched in surprise as Noru expertly chopped vegetables with lightning speed, preparing the soup.

"Do you want to join us for dinner?" I offered.

"Are you sure? You might not have enough for everyone," Deus said.

"We brought extra, so it won't be a problem. Food tastes better when shared," Noru insisted.

"Thank you. To be honest, I'm tired of dried meat, so this is a treat," Miguru said happily.

Noru beamed and continued cooking, the aroma of the soup filling the air.

"You're not just strong, you're a great cook too, Noru. I'm envious of Ookura's group," Deus said.

"Well, her cooking is definitely a big help," I agreed.

"It's rare for you to compliment me, Ookura-dono. Do you want more soup?" Noru asked, smiling.

"Yes, please," I replied.

Noru happily ladled more soup into my bowl. We enjoyed our meal together, and after some light conversation, Deus and I took turns keeping watch for the night.

Spending time with another party like this was a refreshing change.

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Author Notes:

  Thank you for always reading. Today, volume 3 of the book has been released. Also, a comic adaptation has been decided. Information about the special benefits of volume 3 has been posted in the activity report, so if you have time, please take a look.

  Since it's important, I'll say it twice (lol).

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