Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World
Chapter 184

Chapter 184. The Strongest Species

The Holber species joined the labyrinth's ranks, becoming the first industrial livestock.

However, whether they can truly be called that remains uncertain.

After observing them closely, I tried cutting my own hair with a knife, drank from a wooden bowl of water, and then attempted milking them.

But when I approached with the knife, they backed away, and even if I placed the wooden bowl under their bellies, they fled the moment I reached for their milk.

They've progressed from "uncertain" to "hazardous."

Still, refusing to give up, I pondered and eventually thought: if I washed their bodies, perhaps I could collect their fur. So, I created water orbs using [Pure Water] and [Operate Water] and let them dive in.

In a way, this was a success.

The Holber species repeatedly charged into the water orbs, allowing me to gather a decent amount of fur.

It wasn't exactly what I'd aimed for, but success is success. With summer approaching, they'll likely shed even more fur.

Meanwhile, Tess volunteered after seeing me struggle with milking.

Back in Verene Village, she'd helped care for livestock, so she seemed suited for the task. But equating these creatures with peaceful sheep is highly questionable.

That said, Tess is a harmless lump—maybe she'd manage? I let her try, only for her to end up screaming as twenty kid goats chased her around.

Did they think she was stealing their milk, or did she just look like a fun playmate?

Their true intentions were unclear, but she endured headbutts and body slams (albeit restrained) until Zilv stepped in to help.

With that spectacle, I temporarily halted the Holber domestication plan.

After welcoming an unexpected guest, I secluded myself in the innermost chamber to ponder the future.

First, mass-produce alchemical solution and create frost-enchanted Ice Frost magical tools. Once that's done, focus on [Alchemy] training and revival potion research.

If the beastmen village refuses, I'll have to gather materials in imperial territory or buy them—but at least they're obtainable.

Assuming I secure the alchemical solution, the next hurdle is [Alchemy] training.

My rank has been stuck at 8 for a long time. It'll grow eventually, but who knows when.

Instead of brewing basic potions, using high-quality ingredients like Sislaus grass honey to attempt superior or supreme-grade potions might yield more experience.

But here's the catch.

Alchemists are notoriously secretive, so information beyond basic materials is scarce.

Selen only taught me healing ingredients: intermediate-tier requires Sislaus grass honey, and advanced-tier needs the tail-like appendage of a Saras butterfly. The Deep Palace Forest likely has Sislaus grass, but Saras butterflies' habitats and ecology are unknown—finding them is near impossible, and they're not traded.

As a side note, beyond supreme-grade lies the "transcendent" tier.

The only confirmed transcendent potion is the Elixir, a healing potion said to slumber in the imperial vault.

Well, "said to." Past tense, probably. If it truly cures any condition, some emperor must've used it by now.

Regardless, gathering intermediate-tier materials in bulk is tough.

I kept brainstorming more practical training methods and landed on an idea.

Previously, I used [Magical Tool Modification] to turn a lightweight two-handed sword into a keichou-weight one. Since potions are a type of magical tool, I could enhance low-quality potions and attach additional effects.

For now, this seems the most effective training method.

With a general plan in place, I spent my days processing and gathering materials.

One day, I woke earlier than usual to find it still night outside.

Careful not to wake Hymes, Phil, or Zilv sleeping in the hall, I glanced at the piled-up supplies.

Processed pelts, cleaned animal and monster bones, fresh and dried meat wrapped in large leaves, bundled wild greens.

While I'd been absorbed in my work, Sarhas and the others had hunted diligently.

Grateful, I turned to leave when a faint sound echoed behind me.

The glow of animal-fat lamps illuminated the hall, revealing Miranda, who hurried over upon noticing me.

"My apologies, but breakfast isn't—"

"It's still before dawn?"

Laughing, I stepped outside with Miranda.

Bonfire light flickered dimly in the dark forest.

Perhaps the last watch shift—Seghet and Urk chatted quietly nearby but stood when they noticed me. I waved them off and spoke to Miranda.

"I'll be away briefly on an errand. Tea later, please."

"Understood."

"And there's something I'd like to ask of you, given your skills."

At my formal tone, Miranda straightened.

"Garneles' favorite food is goblins, but with Jisero's beastmen and Garneles hunting them, local procurement is unlikely. Transporting corpses is also troublesome. So, I'd like you to cook goblin dishes."

"Cook… goblins?"

"Does bipedal meat bother you?"

Miranda shook her head.

"No, that's not the issue. I've never cooked bipedal creatures, but in food-scarce regions, people eat all kinds of monsters. However, even the starving avoid goblins—they're supposedly that foul."

"I'm mildly curious, but Garneles loves their foulness. Making them tasty would defeat the purpose."

"I see…"

Miranda sighed, looking conflicted.

I planned to trade food for magic stones, though the divine attribute is likely depleted. The royal guard's lifespan exceeds a decade, and they're not easily defeated.

Still, who knows what's lurking? If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to secure the deal personally.

There are also potential risks.

Worst case, beastmen and Garneles might clash again. I promised Quid I'd side with the beastmen, but I hold no grudge against Garneles and don't want to slaughter those open to dialogue. At least until things stabilize, I should monitor the situation.

Shaking off my thoughts, I told Miranda:

"I've thought of a cooking method. Judge for yourself."

The key was portability.

Goblin jerky would work, but I knew another way.

As I explained, Miranda's expression gradually shifted.

"Reducing thick soup further and solidifying it with fat? That would indeed make it easier to carry, and diluting seasoned concentrate with water sounds tastier. Though it might not keep long. If we adjust it for long journeys—"

"A few days is enough. Leave mass production to imperial merchants. For now, just make a prototype."

Flustered, Miranda apologized and promised to start immediately.

Leaving it to the expert, I headed into the forest.

Stopping at a suitable spot, I activated [Handy Soil].

To create frost-enchanted Ice Frost tools, I needed a vessel to soak the knife in alchemical solution. My current containers are multipurpose, and wasting solution is unacceptable. A dedicated vessel was necessary.

Piling up earth, I used it as a catalyst to generate [Earth Wall] horizontally.

Normally, I reinforce it with extra mana for durability, but excessive hardness makes it harder to shape. This time, I kept it as a standard stone wall.

Placing the knife on the wall's edge, I examined it from various angles.

If the knife fits too snugly, the solution might not register as fully submerged.

After some deliberation, I left a two-finger gap, marking guidelines with [Operate Soil] before cutting.

The ability to freely shape earth is convenient, but [Operate] spells drain mana faster than basic earth magic.

Only someone like me or Elphimia could use it without exhausting their daily reserves—hence why [Operate]-based crafting isn't widespread.

The rectangular block was as heavy as it looked.

Earth magic can craft small potion vials, but they'd need to be extremely thin to match pottery's lightness. Plus, kilns are needed for tableware, bricks, etc. Ah, I should build a smithy too—for crafting and maintaining weapons, and as a backup if Zephyr's scimitar breaks.

Holding the block, I tapped it lightly.

Hard, but brittle. For long-term use, fire-resistant bricks might be necessary.

When building a smithy in Selen, stonemason Doval said stone walls are only for exteriors. How do regular bricks differ? I should've asked for details.

Resuming work, I sliced thin slabs from the rectangular stone.

These would become lids. To minimize evaporation, I wanted as tight a seal as possible.

After layering and adjusting, I hollowed out the container's interior.

Inserting the knife, I used [Alchemy] and [Magical Tool Creation] to simulate adjustments, stopping once satisfied.

Minor tweaks might be needed, but this would suffice for now.

Setting the container aside, I carved out several spares.

As I worked, spectators gathered, amused by something. By the time I finished, nearly everyone had lined up to watch.

Puzzled, I turned as Miranda approached with a cup of general's tea.

"I've brought your tea."

"Thanks."

Blowing on it, I took a sip and suddenly remembered a future request for Miranda.

I'll likely be away occasionally. Since Miranda is adept at delicate tasks, I'd entrust her with alchemical solution replacement. She seemed tense at first, but after demonstrating with the knife and container, she relaxed upon realizing it was just swapping liquids.

In Selen, the kids—Quince and others—handled this. It's simple work. Beastmen avoid the labyrinth, so Miranda and Tess can manage it eventually.

But why were they all watching?

Even as I spoke, they lingered, staring at the stone wall.

At my questioning look, Seghet hesitantly spoke up.

"Is that [Earth Wall]? Could we… build houses with it?"

So that's why they were eyeing it so eagerly. The heavy rain's damage must've hit them hard.

Glancing around, Sarhas was expressionless, while Rizai wore a conflicted look.

Sarhas aside, Rizai is ex-C-rank. He knows intermediate mages command high prices—not someone to ask casually.

Returning my gaze to Seghet, I answered.

"Technically, yes—but it wouldn't benefit you in the long run."

Seghet looked unconvinced, so I turned to Eshin.

"Your current shelter wasn't just luck or effort. Without Eshin's experience, you'd still be roughing it."

"N-No, not at all! I just copied what I'd seen—"

Eshin laughed bashfully, scratching his head.

Smiling, I addressed the group.

"Benefiting from technology is easy, but learning opportunities are rare. By building yourselves, you've gained some understanding of house structures. If something breaks, you can at least manage simple repairs."

The words seemed to resonate. Everyone looked back at their shelter thoughtfully.

I might've sounded preachy, but this was all Sarhas' wisdom. Without his intervention, the area would've been littered with haphazard stone huts by now.

Me, acting on impulse—Sarhas, planning for the future.

Once again, I realized I'm unsuited for leadership.

Shaking off the self-deprecation, I continued.

"Since we're here, gain a bit more experience. Help me divide the remaining wall into a stove. Cooking over open fires is hard on Miranda."

No objections. The stove-making began.

Listening to Miranda's requests, I split the stone wall.

Heat resistance is poor, so it'll crack eventually—but it'll serve until a proper stove is built.

After test-assembling it, Rizai and the others carried it out.

I cut the leftover wall into brick-like pieces and handed them over for free use.

It's not enough for a full wall, but consider it a small reward for their hard work.

Well, Sarhas did give a wry smile.

◇◇◇◇

The next morning, after waking in the innermost chamber and completing my daily cooling routine, breakfast was ready in the hall.

"Has Quid returned?"

Seated, I posed the question. Hymes shook his head.

Still not back? Material processing is done, containers are ready—but alchemical solution is critically low. Even soaking the knife would deplete reserves before full saturation.

I could make a quick trip north to gather more, but for now, I'll wait for the village's reply.

Chewing on boar meat, I brainstormed feasible tasks.

Yesterday, the goblin dish prototype was completed.

After crafting containers, I went hunting to clear my mind, bagging this boar and three goblins. I brought them back for Miranda to cook, but the real challenge began then.

Miranda crushed goblin bones, minced organs, and simmered them in blood.

The stench was so vile beastmen fled upwind. I reverted to my true form to assist, finally producing concentrated goblin soup.

Yet Miranda seemed unsatisfied—likely because I stopped her from taste-testing repeatedly.

Without knowing Garneles' preferences, it's hard to judge. But if it's portable, it's a successful prototype.

Pondering other tasks, I came up empty.

Time for another routine expedition, then.

"Today, we'll search for Sogrio fruit and explore the stream's upper reaches. I'm also curious about Veegin larvae."

Hymes nodded. Before I could assign companions, Phil volunteered eagerly.

Sarhas was concerned about Veegins, but with Phil joining, I asked him to stay.

Calling Sarhas over, he agreed readily.

"With Lady Phil accompanying you, I needn't worry. But Veegins are active year-round except winter—beware swarms."

Plans settled, we prepared to depart—when a minor commotion erupted.

First, Zilv insisted on coming, but the rocky stream banks would force detours for his massive frame. Eras Rhino reigns on plains, not forests.

After placating him, the usual troublemakers appeared.

Perhaps deducing my intentions from my attire, they swarmed, halting at Phil's feet.

Now that I think of it, Phil had been holed up since the heavy rain. This might be her first proper encounter with Holbers.

As the usual antics began, I whispered to Phil.

"Claw attacks will escalate things. Just humor them."

Phil wagged her tail in agreement, leaping from my shoulder.

She glared at the Holbers—and the air trembled.

[Intimidation]? Haven't seen this since she subdued Zilv.

Since its potency scales with the user's strength, Phil's version is especially intense. Even distant beastmen froze, while the directly targeted Holbers stiffened completely.

Phil released the skill after seconds, but the Holbers' fighting spirit was gone.

Did she establish hierarchy without combat? ...I struggled so much for this...

Melancholy set in as the Holbers surrounded Phil, erupting into chorus.

Phil narrowed her eyes at the noise but endured patiently.

Once the singing ended, I thought we could finally leave—but underestimated the situation.

"Why are you following me...?"

A line of Holbers trailed behind me.

Meeting the lead one's—Broken Horn's—determined gaze, I sighed.

You definitely don't even know where we're going.

Ignoring my dismissal, Phil stepped forward.

A series of calm bleats and rebuttals ensued, convincing most Holbers to back off.

Only Broken Horn and a few others persisted.

Eventually, Phil gave up, turning away as if to say, "Not my problem."

The remaining group: four males, two females.

No kids, at least. Six shouldn't be too troublesome...

Thanking Phil, I took out a Sogrio fruit.

Fresh would be better, but I only had dried ones on hand.

"Our goal is investigating the stream's upper reaches. We'll advance as far as feasible while searching for Sogrio fruit. Can you help?"

Phil sniffed the fruit, then wagged her tail from her perch on my shoulder.

Channeling her combat aura, we ventured into the forest, reaching the stream uneventfully.

Water levels had normalized, and Veegin larvae were gone. Peering into the clear stream, I spotted Latam stones dotting the bed.

Easy gathering is a boon, but such abundance might attract adventurers.

Perhaps I should scout for Latam deposits too.

Requesting Phil's [Tracking Pursuit], we advanced upstream, careful not to disrupt her focus.

The stream curved gently southwest.

Previously within the blank zone, it now seemed outside. [Presence Sense] occasionally flagged monsters, which we avoided.

Soon, the stream will likely exit the blank zone entirely.

Well-water has stabilized somewhat, with clearer portions now in use—but heavy rain will muddy it again. Proper aqueduct planning is needed.

Monitoring sounds and scents, we reached a key landmark without monster encounters.

A gouged cliff came into view. Matching it to my mental map:

"About an hour's travel. A straight shot from the plains wouldn't pass near the labyrinth. Latam stones aren't a concern here."

Relieved, I studied the cliff.

The stream flowed between three-meter-high banks, partially collapsed from recent rains.

Latam stones were scattered in the landslide debris.

More than enough for our needs, but not worth large-scale mining.

Unless it's within a territory, no one would excavate Deep Palace Forest for this. No issues, then.

"By the way, any luck with Sogrio fruit?"

Phil weakly wagged her tail.

Even with [Tracking Pursuit], no traces? Maybe it's time to give up.

Petting her in consolation, I noticed the battle junkies behind me.

Wild animals indeed—no signs of fatigue, still brimming with energy.

Rubbing my temples, I turned back upstream.

"Let's push further for now. Also, Sogrio seems unlikely. Can you switch to perimeter vigilance? The rear guard looks eager, but avoid distant engagements."

Phil chirped in agreement, and we resumed.

The babbling stream carried birdsong and wind through the trees.

Aside from sporadic monster presences and howls, peace prevailed.

The stream's length was unknowable, but Veegin breeding grounds shouldn't be too far. Considering how far heavy rain could wash larvae, a day trip should suffice.

Yet after hours, past noon, the scenery remained unchanged.

As I debated our next move, Phil pointed her tail toward the forest.

[Presence Sense] registered something—but the reading was perplexing. Phil tilted her head, equally puzzled.

"Strange aura. Let's check."

The Holbers' presence made stealth pointless, but I activated [Stealth] anyway as we approached.

Parting foliage revealed a giant centipede clinging to a tree.

No mistaking it—yet the aura felt off.

A [Identify] glance brought clarity.

This creature's name: Kitor worm.

Palm-sized beetles linked together, forming a massive centipede. Not mimicry—literal linkage.

Reminds me of cult horror films from my past life. Heard of similar marine organisms too, where linked individuals specialize organs.

The "large insect" Markant mentioned? More like full metamorphosis.

[Identify] or high-tier [Presence Sense] would see through it—otherwise, it's just a giant centipede.

Fascinating, but—no point hunting it.

However merged, it's still a collective. Magic stones would be tiny, and eating it is unthinkable.

Its exoskeleton seems tougher than Bornis beetles (Selen's plague), so armor material is possible.

But without means to transport it, I retreated quietly.

Back at the stream, I reconsidered.

Phil and I could return swiftly, but the Holbers forced a slower pace.

Not having mentioned an overnight trip, they'd likely trigger a search if we didn't return.

The Holbers showed no fatigue, so I picked up speed.

Knowing they wouldn't understand, I announced the change and surged ahead.

Leaping onto rocks, scaling small cliffs—glancing back, the Holbers kept pace effortlessly. Goats indeed.

Maintaining speed, the scenery finally shifted as the sun dipped.

Water volume increased, carrying a stronger scent.

Change was near.

Soon, the view opened abruptly, sunlight glittering across an expansive vista.

"Finally arrived."

Lakeshore winds swept over me as I surveyed the scene.

Low cliffs and dense trees framed the lake, its surface mirroring the blue sky.

North-south spans were modest, but the western reach was vast—sun glare obscured the opposite shore.

As I admired the picturesque view, movement caught my eye: Veegin adults gliding over water.

Beautiful, yet beneath lurked deadly venom. Such is this world.

A small swarm of Veegins flew distantly.

One noticed us and approached immediately.

The Holbers stepped forward eagerly—but their moment was stolen.

The lake surface erupted, swallowing the Veegin whole.

The attacker: a meter-long fish.

A monster? Too fast for [Identify], but regular fish can do that too.

Regardless, fish presence means Veegin larvae won't starve.

Actually, larvae might be fish prey now. Remember that ogre and Vranbeàr brawl? Monsters eating monsters isn't strange.

Urging Phil to stay alert, I scouted the shoreline.

Steep northern slopes forced a southern detour, where I found another stream.

This one fed the lake—wider and shallower than the first, with oddly spacious banks. Almost like a promenade.

Seasonal flooding, perhaps?

Upstream direction matched Garneles' lake. If connected, convenient for Jisero trips.

Further upstream, high cliffs blocked progress, so I checked the north.

Pushing through thickets, scaling low cliffs—eventually, the western lakeshore came into view.

Observation revealed sparse Veegin activity.

Likely not the crisis Sarhas feared, but surface scans aren't conclusive.

Having come this far, deeper investigation was warranted.

Setting my pack down, I undressed.

[Presence Sense] is less effective underwater—diving would be more reliable.

Drawbacks: limited offense and breathing.

Folding my clothes, I reviewed my status.

Attack spells or [Wind Fang Strike] would likely fizzle upon hitting water.

[Ice Frost] might work—cold-blooded creatures would suffer. And [Force Field], effective underwater.

Neither deals damage, but retreat is the goal.

Breathing remains the issue.

[Operate Air] would collapse under pressure.

[Operate Water] tubes might work but would be cumbersome while swimming.

Alternatives—?

Scanning my skills, an idea struck.

Activating [Breeze], a faint gust flowed from my fingertips over the lake.

I'd never pondered this deeply, but life magic generates elemental matter.

Thus, [Breeze] doesn't create wind—it produces air, which displaces as wind. Breathing should be possible.

Testing [Breeze] inside my mouth, air escaped through my nose.

Inhaling cautiously, I detected no abnormalities—composition matched ambient air.

After practicing [Breeze]-assisted breathing, I addressed Phil.

"I'll survey the lake. Wait here with them."

Phil glanced at the lake, then wagged her tail.

The Holbers, oblivious, sniffed my clothes and poked me curiously. Please stop—I'm naked.

Assuming they wouldn't follow, I patted each reassuringly before wading in.

The chill was pleasant as I submerged to my chest and swam.

Dipping my head, I noted stirred silt—likely from recent rains.

As it settled, gravel and larger stones became visible.

Further out, depth increased abruptly.

Visibility was high, but sunlight didn't reach the bottom. The center was abyssal darkness.

Prime territory for lake monsters—but none appeared.

[Presence Sense] only flagged Veegin larvae, fish, and shrimp.

The earlier large fish was called a Barsi—more monstrous than the actual monsters.

Maintaining [Breeze] breathing, I continued observing.

Veegins and Barsi preyed on each other, I realized.

Young Barsi fell to Veegins, but survivors reversed the dynamic. These two dominated the ecosystem.

Later, my body was pushed upward by an upwelling.

Sarhas' prediction was correct—the lake had underwater springs.

Curious, I dove to the sunlight's limit.

The springs originated deeper, invisible even when straining.

Considered using [Light] but decided against it.

Discovering their exact location wouldn't change anything. The sheer volume confirmed sufficient water purification. Diverting this via aqueducts would be madness.

Preparing to surface, movement caught my eye—a Barsi nearby.

Its plump salmon-like form sparked an idea.

That looks... delicious.

Activating [Force Field], I trapped the Barsi in viscous water.

It struggled futilely as I unleashed [Ice Frost] repeatedly, chilling the water until it froze stiff.

Releasing the field, I reached for its tail—when turbulence struck.

My hand missed as violent currents wrenched me sideways.

An upwelling? No—the disturbance came from below.

Looking up, I froze.

A massive turtle-like face loomed from the depths.

As its maw opened, I triggered [High-Speed Movement], [Physical Up], and [Moving Up], diving toward the lakebed—but the whirlpool dragged me inexorably upward.

The struggle ended abruptly when the currents stilled.

The colossal shadow was receding.

Slowly exhaling via [Breeze], I surfaced cautiously, putting distance between myself and the shadow.

Its height: roughly ten meters.

[Identify] scanned the mountain-like shell before me.

Name: —

Species: Dragon (Earth)

Level: 61

HP: 1729/1729

MP: 573/573

Strength: 72

Intelligence: 23

Dexterity: 7

Endurance: 81

Agility: 15

Charisma: 12

【Skills】

Dragon's Armor, Dragon's Roar: Earth

【Magic】

Stone Blow, Earth Bolt, Operate Soil

Stone Ball, Flake Spear

【Titles】

None

An earth dragon... First time seeing four-digit HP.

Resembling a rounded turtle with rock-like scales, its [Dragon's Armor] likely made it nigh-impervious to conventional weapons.

Absurd stats. Brutally simple—just overwhelmingly tough and strong.

Intermediate magic is irrelevant. This bulk alone could flatten towns.

The earth trembled as the dragon trudged south along the stream.

So that's why the banks were wide—its path.

Then my gaze dropped, and I nearly choked.

Broken Horn was darting around the dragon's feet, headbutting repeatedly while five others spectated.

"What are you idiots doing?!"

Frantically scrambling ashore (still naked), I tackled Broken Horn.

Miraculously, the dragon seemed unfazed, continuing into the forest without noticing.

As tremors faded, I collapsed.

Too close... Had it retaliated, the Holbers would've fought to the death—a one-sided slaughter.

And if its rage persisted, the labyrinth might've been collateral damage.

Unfazed, the Holbers glared south, bleating discontent.

Give me a break. That's just... no.

Herding them back to the stream, I found Phil waiting calmly.

"Could've stopped them. You knew how dangerous that was."

Phil gave an ambiguous look, then shook her head slowly.

"Would they have listened?" went unsaid.

Her human-like mannerisms exasperated me as I turned southward.

One of the strongest—a dragon.

That was an adult, but elders—Ancient Dragons—are reportedly monstrous. Among them, the immortal multi-headed dragon Halva, who defeated the gluttonous evil god Adudou, is legendary.

Creatures bordering on divinity—that's dragonkind.

Even adults like that are rare.

Must be the individual Markant's group encountered.

Yet they fought it, shattered its scales, and escaped with minor injuries? Incredible.

By comparison—not that it's fair—Sekies' Yabusho likely never faced dragons. Seeing one up close would shatter any "dragon slayer" delusions. (Though they've long since abandoned that goal.)

Scouting confirmed no other dragon paths.

This seems the territory's edge. The stream probably served as a watering hole.

Prey diminishes near the plains, so it likely won't approach the labyrinth. Still, countermeasures warrant consideration.

Sighing, I zapped an approaching Veegin with [Shock Bolt].

My encounter with Mei was surreal, but Deep Palace Forest is truly a demonic realm.