Chapter 42

If that's the case, there are several hypotheses that can be made about the use of magic and, by extension, sorcery.

In reality, it was just a matter of reciting prayer words to use them.

I don't believe the stories written in the holy scriptures.

However, for example, Yoshino, the healer. As a healer, a follower of the Holy Church, she must believe. She must believe that the holy scriptures are the truth.

To me, fire appearing before my eyes is a reality. Similarly, for them, it is natural that wounds heal and diseases are cured by miracles. After all, that is their reality.

It's not like that for me.

Since I don't believe in the holy scriptures, it's impossible for me to think that reciting words can cause a miracle. I can't believe it. That's why I couldn't use it.

"I see, that's why the holy scriptures were necessary."

"For the training of healers?"

"Yes. For them, the holy scriptures are a tool to believe in those miracles. If they act like the saints, the diseases should be cured in the same way."

Of course, I doubt they have that awareness. Probably not. That's what religion is like.

Gustav lowered his head and began to laugh quietly, with a pleasant chuckle.

"Because they believe, they can use magic, huh?"

He raised his face and showed a smile.

"So, can you use magic now?"

"No, it seems impossible."

When I said this firmly, Gustav laughed out loud.

"Ha ha ha ha! I see, I see. You can't use it, huh?"

"What are you going to do? Give up?"

He asked me, seemingly enjoying it. Does he already know my answer?

"No. I will give up on magic, but I won't give up on curing diseases."

"Hmm."

"There was a healer at the clinic who was a mage."

"Ember, right? He's supposed to be excellent."

Indeed, he seems to have information on the healers. Naturally, he even knows Terret's working hours.

I nodded and continued.

"He used magic to heal. Based on magic, but using magic for healing."

"Can you do healing with magic?"

"Of course. There's nothing my magic can't do."

I said this proudly, and Gustav laughed maliciously.

"Isn't it that your magic can't cure that disease?"

"Yes, it is, for now."

In my reality, diseases don't heal that easily, like using magic.

"But, I can change that from now on."

"Do you have a plan?"

"Yes. Well, I'll need your help, Gustav."

In short, I need to change my worldview.

Fire and wind can be easily created because I know how to do it.

There was no such thing as preventing malaria with fish in my world. But now there is.

Similarly, I need to increase what I know and can do.

"Near here... No, it doesn't have to be nearby. Please tell me as much as possible about animals, plants, and minerals with medicinal properties."

"Ha ha! So you're going to get into herbalism now?"

After laughing it off, he returned to his usual merchant face.

"...How much can you pay?"

"Surely there's a benefit for you, Gustav?"

I can make this guess. He probably isn't seriously pressing the issue.

As proof, his expression relaxed.

"Hmm. You seem to understand."

"Yes. No matter what, this store will buy what I bring in. They say, 'Take a loss to make a profit.'"

"Take a loss to make a profit, huh. It sounds obvious for a merchant, but not many can actually do it."

"But, you can, Gustav?"

"Of course. Who do you think I am?"

His tone was dissatisfied, but he didn't seem to be in a bad mood.

"Anyway, whatever it is, it will be after our hiding is over. Until then, just rest."

"I think I won't be found if I stay invisible?"

"If the products I handle suddenly change, there's a possibility of being traced."

"Are you being pursued that seriously?"

Just for the sake of reputation, are they really putting so much effort into getting rid of me? I can't quite understand it.

"The ones hired this time are that kind. Different from Reshid."

"Should I be on guard too?"

"No."

He showed a smile, revealing his back teeth, looking cheerful. It was not a friendly smile, but an aggressive one.

"Just stay put. I'll take care of it in a day or two."

"Are you going to hire someone, Gustav? If so, I can—"

"Don't worry. It's a preemptive investment. Besides, it serves as a deterrent to them."

"If you say so, I'll leave it to you..."

If Gustav says so, he will probably hire someone with the appropriate skills, not someone like Nixky, but perhaps an explorer or even an assassin.

"Who are you going to hire?"

I became a little curious.

"Don't worry. You'll meet them someday."

"Is that so?"

I doubt he would tell me even if I pressed him.

When I returned to the cabin, I sat in a chair and thought about the future.

If I think about it, what I need to do is the same as before.

Before, I wanted to deal with profitable items. This time, it's just a shift to items related to medicine and diseases.

However, the purpose of this proposal is not just what I told Gustav. It also serves as training to become an explorer.

I am used to living outdoors. However, I know almost nothing about the methods of collecting and handling materials.

I prefer to train alone rather than learning from peers after becoming an explorer.

Besides, even if I change my mind and don't become an explorer, this experience won't be wasted.

You have to experience things early on.

For now, I'll take a few days off.

I ended up with free time, but that's fine.

For dinner, maybe I'll catch a rat bird.

The day after next.

"From tomorrow, you can return to the slums as usual."

Early in the morning, Nixky suddenly visited and said that and disappeared again.

I was still half-asleep and just replied, "Huh."

Then, I returned to the slums in this city.

It was a bit disappointing that my life in the cabin, which I had just gotten used to, was over, but there was no help for it.

When I entered the abandoned building I used before, it was just as I left it.

First, I'll clean up.

High-pressure water jets are so convenient.

"Unfortunately, we don't have the necessary medicine right now."

When I immediately asked Gustav about the materials to collect, he replied like that.

"...Well, it depends on the season, I guess..."

Just as I was about to say, "Then, let's start with what I can get now," Gustav spoke up.

"But, there are some things we keep in stock. How about you go and get those?"

"Where should I go, and what should I get?"

"...Well, which one should I choose?"

After pondering, Gustav pointed to one material.

I agreed and quickly went to get it.

This was the beginning of my exploration training.