CH 31

Chapter 31: Playing with Dolls

My item box came in handy in an unexpected way. Among the weapons left behind by the orcs, there were swords and bows of considerable value, presumably taken from humans when they surfaced.

This earldom is incredibly poor.

I heard that the four swords and two bows have decent value. When I chanted, "Item Storage," something strange happened! It felt like being sucked into Doraemon's pocket.

Item storage seems to be a skill that not only adventurers but also merchants and thieves can acquire. It's an essential skill for merchants, and it seems incredibly useful.

By the way, I tried to store a large nearby rock, but I couldn't do it, so there seem to be some restrictions on quantity and type.

Also, when we returned to where the boss of the first floor was, Larook found a treasure chest. Even though I also have the "Discovery" skill, it seems there are individual differences, and Larook's perception is superior. Furthermore, since Larook also has the "Trap Disarmament" skill, in the end, she was the one who opened the treasure chest.

Inside, we found a small amount of gold dust, and Karena was extremely delighted...

"With this, we can avoid the delay in our pay," she muttered, but we all pretended not to hear.

After leaving the labyrinth, I managed to squeeze out the last of my MP and sealed the entrance with a clay wall again.

It's the first time I've run out of MP so much since acquiring "Plenty of Clay." I think it was because a large amount of MP was drained when Lina was injured.

On the way back, with a dizzy head, I thought that Lina might get injured in future battles, so I had to do something.

**************

When we returned, the treatment for me and Greon had improved significantly compared to before.

Recognized as a key member for labyrinth conquest, it became more important to keep us in perfect health.

Although we were still in the slave quarters, it was a relatively spacious cell. It could even be called a room. And, instead of straw, there was a hard bed!

It seemed to be a room used for prisoners with a slightly higher status.

Moreover, with permission, we were allowed to go to the training ground and the well for bathing until sunset, wearing collars. Hmm, basic human rights are amazing.

A healthy and culturally minimal life? There is no culture. But seriously, as a high-level shut-in job, as long as I have internet access, I feel like I can live like this forever.

I intended to review what Zag taught me seriously, so I practiced swordsmanship with Lina in the training ground. Greon also joined us once, but he was too strong, and it was only when Lina and I teamed up that we could match him.

However, in order to not injure Lina, I need to improve my skills, but armor is still necessary. She can't protect herself with fake armor made of soft vinyl.

That being said, even if she were to receive armor for the territorial soldiers, it would mean giving up the tactical advantage of being able to freely change clothes and the flexibility to adapt to different situations.

I wonder if it's possible to make ceramic armor?

With an amazing clay, it's possible to create a thin yet strong, rigid ceramic-like material. Maybe I should give it a try.

I commanded Lina to stay still, and I imagined the armor we were wearing and created clay.

After trying various forms that fit the body shape and separate parts for mobility, I managed to create something that seemed usable for now before dusk, and it wasn't too heavy.

She tried swinging the sword, and there were no restrictions on movement. Even when I struck it with a wooden sword, it seemed fine.

"That hurts, you know!"

"It's a test, a test."

The challenge now is when Lina changes size.

"Shrink."

Oh?

Along with Lina, the ceramic armor also became smaller.

I see... Since I can transform and absorb clay, it seems possible to make it smaller if desired.

"Lina, is there anything strange?"

"Other than you?"

Seems fine.

This might be an unexpected convenient technique. I never thought of combining dolls and clay.

The problem is that it takes quite a bit of time to make this ceramic armor in proper form. Maybe I should just leave it on without cleaning it up.

"Hey, I can't wear armor all the time. It's impossible. Lina is a fashion icon for teenage girls."

There are no fashion icons in this world.

Hmm, can't be helped. Since I can't give up on Chibi-T and negligee, I'll decide to only make her wear them when going into action. In that case, should I make it a structure that can be formed and removed?

For now, I washed off the dirt of the day (even though it was freezing) with well water and stripped Lina naked (of course, I made her smaller), giving her a thorough wash.

"I'll catch a cold!"

I naturally ignored her protest, but I forgot that I'm linked to Lina's senses. I felt freezing again as if I were taking a cold shower... Hm, what would happen to Lina if I catch a cold?

Returning to the larger cell, I experimented with various methods of cutting and attaching clay to the ceramic armor until meal distribution arrived.

By the way, I also made a full-face helmet-like helmet and boots. Since there were fewer moving parts here, it was a bit easier.

I stored the created set of armor in the item box.

***

When I woke up, thanks to the battles I fought yesterday, my adventurer level had increased to 9.

I don't think I personally defeated many enemies, but it seems that experience points are distributed among the party after all.

As the level increases, I feel like the required experience points are increasing, but I wonder by how much?

It's not like doubling, like 1, 2, 4, 8, but it's not an arithmetic progression like 1, 2, 3, 4 either. It's somewhere in between, I suppose.

With the increase in job level, I obtained the new ability "<Speed Increase (Small)>."

So there must be a parameter called "speed." However, I can't see any specific values, so I'm not sure. Is it the running speed or agility in general? It doesn't seem to have any "acceleration device" attached, so maybe it's something like the "agility" needed for an adventurer job? Well, I might be able to feel it in combat or something.

The skill "Clay Play" remained at level 7 even though I used it quite a bit.

However, "Doll Play" had reached level 7, just like clay. Lina must have worked hard too.

The obtained ability is displayed as "Dress-up Transformation." What does that mean?

Since I was busy with the morning roll call and assembly, I asked about it in a "secret conversation."

(Exactly as the displayed text says. I always say that. When I dress up in a job costume, I gain the abilities of that job. But, remember, it's the minimum level, so don't rely on it too much.)

So, does that mean if she become a wizard, she can use magic?

If that's the case, it seems worth exploring the possibilities...

While heading towards the labyrinth, I decided to observe the appearance of the party members carefully.

Beth's back, Carena's chest, and even Laruke's... Oops!

A coin hit my forehead.

"You're leaking perverted vibes. Learn how to conceal your presence."

Laruke scolded me with a look of exasperation as I turned around.

W-What are you talking about? What kind of skill is that?

Oh, and Beth, please stop turning around so abruptly and giving me that disdainful look.