Level Eater
Chapter 151

Tatsuro guessed why Reginald was at the doctor's house and decided to voice his answer boldly.

"Could it be that you asked the doctor to figure out how to cultivate the moss necessary for making artificial magic stones?" (Tatsuro)

"Yes, that's right. The doctor is quite famous in that field. Although he's from the neighboring territory, he's been working hard for the development of this country." (Reginald McDermott)

"Oh, come to think of it, you mentioned something about moss when we bought the Armor. You came here yourself for that research." (Ai)

"That's right, Ai-kun." (Reginald McDermott)

"Yay, I guessed it right!" (Ai)

Ai's honest joy was so cute that Tatsuro unconsciously patted her head while continuing to speculate.

"And you put a lot of effort into making the tank yourself. Could it be that the key to cultivating the moss lies in the Piporin we captured?" (Ai)

"…Well, if you know that much, there's no need to hide it. That's correct. About twenty years ago, I picked up some bodily fluid from Piporin's shed skin and tried using it for cultivation. While still unstable, it led to explosive growth." (Doctor)

"Bodily fluid? How did it stay on the skin for twenty years?" (Ai)

"It's rare, so as a child, I stored it in a sealed container my father used for his research. Then, by chance, when researching moss, I noticed the algae reacting to it. I thought it might work, and it did. So—" (Doctor)

So, to get more samples, they spent a fortune gathering regular Piporin and conducting experiments, but they didn't react at all.

They tried releasing some of the captured Piporins to adapt to the river, but they all perished.

They tried various other methods, but couldn't replicate the Piporin living in a waterfall.

Then he requested the Adventurer's Guild to capture a real one, but no one succeeded until today.

"But thanks to you, we have the real thing now. I appreciate it." (Doctor)

"If you're grateful, give me rice." (Tatsuro)

"Ah? Oh, that's right. You did fulfill my request. Wait here, I'll bring it right away." (Doctor)

"Okay. He'll be back soon." (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, I'm excited." (Ai)

Tatsuro and Ai exchanged smiles, stood up, and watched the doctor head to the back of the house.

They thought they had only stopped by to get some rice but found themselves in another strange situation.

As they chatted with the others there, the doctor returned after about five minutes, holding something in his hands.

They expected him to have gone to get rice, so they watched curiously as he put the item in his hands in front of them.

"Here, this is the promised rice." (Doctor)

"Huh?" (Tatsuro)

"What?" (Ai)

"Hm? You've eaten it before, but you've never seen it before it's cooked?" (Doctor)

"Well… um, this is rice…?" (Tatsuro)

What the doctor presented was neither the rice nor the rice plants Tatsuro and Ai were familiar with, but a completely unknown plant.

In the center of a pot about forty centimeters wide, a thick green stalk about ten centimeters in circumference rose up about thirty centimeters.

From the top, multiple willow-like branches extended in all directions, each with a round, brown object about the size of a fist hanging from the end.

The two were stunned by the unexpected sight, and the doctor spoke with a hint of annoyance.

"Geez. You've eaten it, but never seen it before it's cooked. I never do this, but since you helped me, I'll show you how it's done." (Doctor)

"Huh? Oh, um—" (Tatsuro)

While Tatsuro was fumbling for words, the doctor hurriedly went back to the back of the house.

The two of them stared at the so-called rice in front of them, unable to see any indication that white grains might come from it.

As they were standing there, Reginald, who had been watching with interest, spoke up.

"This rice is something I've never seen before. Is it delicious?" (Reginald McDermott)

"Huh? Oh, yes, the rice we've eaten is delicious." (Tatsuro)

"I see. I wonder if the doctor would share some with me." (Reginald McDermott)

While they were talking, the doctor returned, carrying a square silver box like a pedestal and a pot filled with water, with a hammer in his trouser pocket, making quite a racket.

They watched to see what he would do next.

The doctor told Tatsuro and Ai to watch closely, then plucked about five of the round brown objects hanging from the branches.

He peeled the brown skins off like he was peeling onions, revealing round white objects inside.

The white color was exactly like rice, and as the two stared at it, the doctor took the hammer from his pocket and began crushing the white objects.

Even as they watched in surprise, he continued to crush the other plucked objects in the same manner.

"That should do it. I'm not exactly used to this, so the sizes are uneven, but don't mind that." (Doctor)

"Uh-huh" (Tatsuro)

"Yeah" (Ai)

"Interesting." (Reginald McDermott)

Tatsuro, Ai, and Reginald, except for Nana who was tending to Leah, each had different reactions as they watched the doctor's actions.

{When you crush it finely, it looks like rice.} (Tatsuro)

{Yeah, this might actually work!} (Ai)

The doctor then dumped the crushed white grains into the pot, put a lid on it, placed it on the silver pedestal, and pressed a red switch on the side.

They could feel the heat as the water in the pot gradually started to warm up.

"With this amount, it should be done in about an hour." (Doctor)

"Oh, it really looks like it." (Tatsuro)

"What do you mean 'looks like'? This is authentic rice, without a doubt." (Doctor)

"Oh, sorry. I wasn't doubting you, so don't worry about it." (Tatsuro)

"Hmm, well, that's fine." (Doctor)

So, each passing the time in their way, they waited an hour.

Leah still seemed to be asleep, so Nana continued to look after her while Tatsuro, Ai, and Reginald watched as the doctor opened the lid.

When he did, it was a wonderful surprise. The aroma and the sight of the shiny white grains were familiar.

Although the sizes of the grains varied, they were remarkably similar to rice.

As Tatsuro and Ai unconsciously began to salivate, the doctor scooped portions onto plates for everyone waiting at a prepared table.

"Here, try it." (Doctor)

"Yes!" (Tatsuro)

"Okay!" (Ai)

"Well then, if you'll excuse me." (Reginald McDermott)

Tatsuro and Ai used their chopsticks, while Reginald used a spoon, each taking a bite.

"Mmm." (Tatsuro)

"Mmm!" (Ai)

"This is... hmm, I see. I see." (Reginald McDermott)

"Do you see now that there's no mistake?" (Doctor)

Tatsuro and Ai nodded vigorously slightly moved.

While the texture was slightly different, the taste was unmistakably rice, filling their mouths with a familiar flavor.

They exchanged nods, then sliced some dragon meat, sprinkled it with salt, and used fire magic to grill it. They placed the meat on the rice and enjoyed a blissful meal.

Seeing Tatsuro and Ai enjoying their food so much, Reginald and the doctor asked them to prepare some meat as well, which they devoured with gusto.

In no time, the rice was gone, and the little meal gathering came to an end.

"Doctor, thank you very much." (Tatsuro)

"Thank you, I was deeply moved!" `(Ai)

"Moved, huh... Well, I got some meat in return and obtained what I needed, so don't worry about it." (Doctor)

"Yes. Then, may we take this with us?" (Tatsuro)

"Of course. But, one thing to note." (Doctor)

As Tatsuro, still elated, was about to put the rice into his [Item Box], the doctor's serious expression and tone made him turn around.

"That plant has an extremely high reproduction rate, so never sow its seeds anywhere but your own land." (Doctor)

"Ah, I don't plan to do that. Is it really that strong?" (Tatsuro)

"Yes, it's so strong it will kill other plants. So, it's also forbidden to carry it carelessly and drop seeds. I want you to promise me that." (Doctor)

"I understand. I'll remember that." (Tatsuro)

Tatsuro replied to the doctor with a serious face.

"Good. Then, take as much as you like." (Doctor)

Seeing that Tatsuro was sincere, the doctor gestured to the rice with an open palm.

Tatsuro then stored the rice without hesitation and asked the doctor about its general cultivation.

"So, how are you planning to hide from now on, Tatsuro?" (Reginald McDermott)

Reginald's question made Tatsuro hesitate, but since it wasn't a place that could be easily tracked, he decided to truthfully reveal their destination.

"There's a level 7 dungeon near this town. We're planning to stay there for a while." (Tatsuro)

"Wait a minute. You might be okay, but what about Leah? A place like that isn't suitable for someone with her condition." (Reginald McDermott)

"Well, that's true. But we have a plan, and if it works out, we should be fine." (Tatsuro)

"A plan? Can you tell me what it is?" (Reginald McDermott)

"Sorry, that's a secret." (Tatsuro)

Since it wasn't information he could easily share with anyone outside his close group, Tatsuro drew a clear line, even with Reginald.

Despite Tatsuro's blunt attitude, Reginald responded with a smile.

"That's a shame. But a level 7 dungeon limits the number of people who can explore it. The quality of magic stones you can get will be higher, but it's not suitable for harvesting. You shouldn't let your guard down. Be careful if you decide to go." (Reginald McDermott)

"Yes, of course. Our lives come first. Thank you for the advice." (Tatsuro)

"So, what are you going to do today? Are you going to put the dwarf girl in that big box again and sneak into the inn? That would be quite noticeable." (Doctor)

"Can you tell us about a place and time in this town where not many people go? We think we can manage if we make some small adjustments." (Tatsuro)

"Huh? Ah, well, I can help with that. For the sake of research confidentiality, I can't let you stay at my place." (Doctor)

While Leah is here, there's always a chance that Moritz's men might find out and come here. In such a situation, it's impossible to conduct important research calmly.

Tatsuro and his group fully understood this, so they didn't plan to ask to stay at the doctor's place. They thought it best to get information that a local would know.

The doctor, realizing this, thought carefully to give the most suitable answer.

"Let's see... a place where people don't go... It would be better if you weren't seen getting there either... Go around the back of this house and then───" (Doctor)

Tatsuro memorized the directions the doctor gave, using his map function for accuracy.

After confirming the directions once more, Tatsuro thanked the doctor.

"Well, it's no big deal. There's still some time before the period I mentioned, so stay here until then." (Doctor)

"Then we'll take you up on your offer. Leah is still asleep." (Tatsuro)

So they stayed in the house, passing the time leisurely until the suggested time approached. Eventually, Leah woke up.