Chapter 121: The Plastic Worm

“Plastic? That is an unfamiliar word.” “Yeah. It was used often in the world I was in. It’s light, easy to process, doesn’t rust or rot, and is a convenient material for various things.” In my original world, it was often made from oil and was a cause of environmental problems, but I once heard from a friend that there are microbes that produce plastic.

It seems this insect creates a substance similar to plastic inside its body. If an insect makes it, it won’t cause environmental problems, so that’s good. The remaining question is whether it decomposes naturally. The fact that plastic didn’t decompose naturally was a problem back there. I concentrate on that point and try Appraising it. If you activate Appraisal Magic while focusing on the information you want to know, you can sometimes obtain that specific information.

Sure enough, the Appraisal result was: [Substance with properties very similar to plastic. Decomposed in the natural world.] Oh, it might be a bit convenient for the plot, but this is great. Come to think of it, even though the word “plastic” doesn’t exist in this world, the word “plastic” appears when I Appraise it. I’ve thought this before, but Appraisal Magic is full of mysteries. Calling it a “substance similar to plastic” is too long, so I’ll call it plastic, and I’ll decide to call this insect a Plastic Worm.

I learned this later after observing them, but this insect spits plastic thread. However, unlike silkworms, it doesn’t do so to make a cocoon, but seemingly to build nests or hide itself from predators. Sometimes they even spit thread just because they feel like it; they are mysterious insects.

In any case, if I can use plastic as a material, the range of my crafting will expand dramatically. I definitely want to protect and breed these insects. Perhaps it was just my imagination, but the insects seemed frightened by Letty‘s magic sword and were gathering at my feet, since I had protected them from it.

“The substance this insect produces has the potential to revolutionize crafting. If possible, I want to take them back to Northernford immediately, recreate an environment similar to this in a greenhouse, and protect them.” “Is it to that extent, Master?” “So this insect is very important.” “Exactly, Sophie.”

The problem is how to return to Northernford. Storage Magic can store plants alive, but it cannot store living animals. Wait. If it can store living plants, it doesn’t mean it can only store inanimate objects. Maybe insects are possible.

I tried storing one, and the Plastic Worm was successfully stored. It just goes to show you should doubt what you consider common sense. The only thing left is whether they will be okay after being stored. Fortunately, when I took them out of the subspace, the insects started moving energetically. With this, I can take them back to the workshop immediately.

“Is the exploration over for today? You want to go home early, don’t you, Will?” I’m happy Letty suggested it, but everyone made time to accompany me on this exploration; I can’t just decide based on my own convenience. “Lord William. You are thinking that you cannot return just for your own convenience, aren’t you?” “No, Luna… or rather, am I that easy to read?” “Yes, Brother. It is written on your face.”

“Ahaha, it is proof that Master is honest. If you think we should hunt more monsters here, we can simply come back another day to hunt.” “Thank you, everyone. Well then, allow me to return to Northernford for today.” I stored the carriage, had everyone grab my clothes, and gently touched the horses. “Teleport.”

Returning to Northernford, I bid farewell to my exploration companions and rushed to the workshop. I have to make a place where these insects can live in peace. When I explained it to Oliver who was at the workshop, he understood immediately. “Oh, that is a revolutionary material. Let us build a home for the insects immediately. I have secured land just in case of something like this.” Apparently, he had purchased land near the workshop. As expected of Oliver.

Next is the material for the greenhouse. If I could use plastic as a material, I could make a vinyl greenhouse, but for now, I have no choice but to make it with glass and wood. Asking the glass workshop would take time, but Mabel had kept a certain amount in stock. We have plenty of timber, so I should be able to make a small greenhouse immediately.

I went straight to the vacant lot Oliver had prepared and lined up the materials. Then, I visualized a greenhouse with glass panes fitted into a wooden frame. I want to make a warm home where the insects can live safely. Thinking that, I activated the Production Skill. After the warm light faded, a small greenhouse had been created.

I made shallow wooden boxes, placed them on the floor of the greenhouse, and put in the grass brought from the undeveloped lands. Since I stored the grass along with the soil it was growing in, there’s no need for replanting, and the roots won’t be damaged. Storage Magic really is convenient.

I released the stored Plastic Worms into the completed greenhouse. Huh? They aren’t moving. Was the long-distance travel bad for them? As I was worrying, the insects started moving after a short while. Perhaps they were just surprised by the sudden change in environment. Now they are leisurely eating the grass.

The final issue is who will take care of the Plastic Worms. When I consulted Oliver, he proposed, “How about the women we rescued from the slave traders in the undeveloped lands?” It seems they are living by doing embroidery and such, but if we hire them to take care of the insects, we can pay them good wages.

Some of them still seem afraid to meet people, so Oliver seems to have thought that taking care of insects might be good for them. Furthermore, “I believe this insect is highly classified, but since they have strong feelings of gratitude for being rescued, they are tight-lipped. In that sense as well, I think they are suitable.” I see. Oliver really thinks things through.