Chapter 69: Purification of the Magic Core

Something was lying on the ground where the Magic Wolves and Magic Boars had fallen. When I approached, I saw mysterious orbs. Usually, when monsters in the Shallow Layer are defeated, they vanish as if melting away, leaving nothing behind.

“I wonder what this is?” “That is what is called a Magic Core.” Lucelina explained it to me. Even though she said the Knights were strong and there was no need for worry, Lucelina stayed by my side the whole time. Perhaps she intends to protect me if push comes to shove.

“Lucelina-san, what is a Magic Core?” “I do not know for certain, but Grandmother believes they may be a collection of human negative emotions, such as sorrow and suffering.“

That is quite important information. When I picked up a Magic Core, I could certainly feel a negative aura. But I also feel like there is something behind that.

“May I take them home?” “Until now, we have destroyed them on the spot, but if you believe that is best, Lord William.” “Thank you.” For the time being, I decided to take about three of them home using Storage Magic.

We didn’t find any mineral veins this time, but since it was our first exploration of the Middle Layer, we decided not to push our luck and withdrew. We parted ways with the Elves as we exited the Sea of Trees and returned home.

As soon as we arrived at the Margrave’s mansion, Liam and I reported the situation to Father. “I see. So with the new equipment, you were able to win against monsters of the Middle Layer without a hard fight. And to think the armor prevented the Magic Wolves’ claws. That is revolutionary.“

“Indeed. Lord William‘s Enchantment Magic is amazing.” “No, I was surprised by Liam‘s swordsmanship. And the sword cut so well precisely because the Dwarf blacksmiths forged it.“

“Hahaha, Liam is the best knight in the West, after all. It is also true that the Dwarf blacksmiths are skilled. But there is no mistake that Will‘s contribution was significant.” Father patted my shoulder happily.

“Liam, until now, our basic strategy was to intercept monsters that came out of the Sea of Trees, and even if we entered, we only went into the shallow parts.” “Yes. If we encountered Magic Boars or Magic Wolves, our only options were to engage in a death match prepared for losses, or to flee.“

“And you were able to defeat both without suffering any casualties. With this, we can obtain more information about the Sea of Trees, and we can launch offensives into the Sea of Trees to some extent. I shall report this to His Majesty. I am sure he will be pleased.“

“You are reporting to His Majesty? Does that mean… my Enchantment Magic too?” “That’s how it will be.” “I’d prefer to avoid standing out too much, though.” “Ahaha, I guess you should probably give up on that.“

I just want to take it easy in the Frontier. But I am happy that we fought monsters in the Middle Layer of the Sea of Trees without anyone getting injured. With this, subjugating monsters that come out of the Sea of Trees will likely be much safer.

The other thing on my mind is the Magic Core. After returning to my room, I took out the ones I had brought back using Storage Magic. I still feel like something is hidden within them.

In times like this, I should visit the knowledgeable Elder. The next day, I visited the Hidden Village of the Elves. First, I thanked them for Lucelina and her squad of Elves accompanying us on the exploration of the Middle Layer.

After that, I spoke to the Elder about the Magic Cores. “Hmm, you are curious about the Magic Cores? Until now, they were destroyed because they were considered ominous.” “I have no basis for this, but I feel like there is something hidden within the Magic Core.” As I was speaking with the Elder, Lucelina made a startled face.

“Ah, I feel like the World Tree is calling.” “Oh, so Luna has come to be able to sense the will of the World Tree as well. That is excellent. Well then, Lord Savior, let us go to the World Tree.“

The Elder chanted a spell in front of the great tree, and we entered the flower garden of the World Tree. Colorful flowers were in full bloom. It is a fantastical place no matter when I visit.

When we entered the sanctuary of the World Tree, I felt as though I was being summoned, so I approached the World Tree holding the Magic Core. Then, the Magic Core began to vibrate.

“Whoa!” I was surprised and almost dropped the Magic Core. What is happening?

Looking at the trembling Magic Core, the eerie black color gradually faded away, turning into a beautiful green. “What on earth is this?“

“The World Tree likely purified the darkness within the Magic Core.” “Yes, I felt that way as well.” If the two of them say so, then it must be true. It seems the World Tree also has the power to purify darkness.

Looking at what used to be a Magic Core in my hand, I could now feel a positive aura instead of a negative one. When I tried to Appraise it as a test, it displayed: ‘Magic Core (Purified)’.

“Elder, Lucelina, when I Appraised it, it said ‘Magic Core (Purified)’.” “A purified Magic Core? That is the first I have heard of such a thing.” “Even you do not know of it, Elder?“

I don’t know what it can be used for right now, but I feel like it will be useful eventually. For the time being, I’ll put it in the storage room in the basement of the new workshop.

Exploration of the Middle Layer continued after that. Eventually, copper and iron deposits were discovered, and mining-related mages within the territory were summoned. Since Mining Mages can use Refining Magic, no mineral poison is produced during the refining process like in my original world. Magic is convenient.

However, bringing the ore out of the Sea of Trees is not easy. The veins are exposed on the ground, so open-pit mining is possible, which is good, but transporting heavy ore through the Sea of Trees where monsters appear is dangerous.

But ore transport is also solved with magic.Storage Magic can store items in a subspace just by touching them, so it can transport ore too. Since Theo and I have large storage capacities, we were asked to help with ore transport several times.Father gave us proper remuneration, so helping with the transport became quite a good income.

Fortunately, the ore produced from the Sea of Trees, both copper and iron, seems to be of high grade. Moreover, the reserves appear to be quite substantial.Father was delighted that this would further boost the economy of the territory.