Let me get straight to the point.

The map skill has sprouted.

Somehow, a map appeared at the corner of my vision. When I focus on it, it expands to full-screen mode. Thanks to my parallel thought skill, I can check the map without interfering with my main thoughts. However, since I just acquired the skill, the display range is still limited.

"Shu, we're here."

Rio’s irritated voice suddenly broke through my thoughts.

Before I realized it, we had reached the visible entrance of the mine, which opened like a hollow cavity in the earth.

"Ah... sorry, sorry."

"Really now."

Though my main focus was on the map skill, it’s not like I wasn’t paying attention to anything else. As we climbed up the mine, there were naturally obstacles like rocks. But I managed to walk steadily without stumbling, keeping track of the terrain. Apparently, however, Rio’s voice had slipped through unnoticed. Come on, parallel thought skill, do your job properly.

"You really become oblivious to your surroundings when it comes to skills. You didn’t have to take after Master to this extent, you know?"

"............"

As much as I wanted to deny it, I couldn’t. From the depths of my heart, a devilish voice whispered, “You’ve become just like Master.”

However, I absolutely could not accept this. I am not the same kind of eccentric as Master...!

"It’s probably just your imagination."

"Hehe."

After a long silence, my words made Rio laugh.

"Ahahaha!"

Was it really that funny?

Although Rio seemed to be back in a good mood, something about it didn’t sit right with me.

"Let’s refocus and head inside, shall we?"

"Yeah. I’ll show you how useful the map skill is in the mine."

"Hehe, I’m looking forward to it."

The entrance split into several pathways leading to various mine shafts, but the initial road from the town was a straight shot to the first entrance. In front of it, another adventurer party was preparing to enter, equipping themselves with lights and helmets.

"We should take safety measures too."

We put on helmets and proceeded into the mine.

"After you."

"Thanks. Be careful out there."

When I greeted the adventurer party, they replied warmly. Yes, this is how normal adventurers act. It’s actually rare to encounter those who pick fights over nothing.

Using magic, I created a light and advanced into the mine. The upper layers of the mine were still being excavated by miners, so we skipped them. Monsters rarely appeared in this section, and even F-rank adventurers could safely explore this area. From the mid-layers onward, it became the domain of E-rank adventurers and higher.

"It’s nice that the mid-layers are so close."

"Yeah, not having to go deep into the upper layers is a relief."

At least it didn’t have the overly convoluted structure typical of some games.

"By the way, it seems like the person tailing us didn’t follow us into the mine."

"They probably don’t want to risk running into us in such a confined space."

"Our faces haven’t been identified yet, so we should be fine."

"Hehe, maybe they’re just being extra cautious."

"Well, whatever."

With that, we continued through the pitch-black mine together.

"Should we light up not just our feet but further ahead too?"

"It’s hard to see into the distance."

Even though we have decent night vision, the stark contrast between light and dark makes it difficult to see into the shadows. On the other hand, extinguishing our lights entirely would make it harder for other adventurers to notice us.

I created another magical light and sent it deeper into the mine.

"Still, it’s strange how clearly divided the mine is into upper, mid, and lower layers."

"Yeah, maybe it’s actually a dungeon."

"A dungeon?"

When I explained the concept to Rio, who wasn’t familiar with games, she quickly understood. But the guild hadn’t mentioned anything about this mine being a dungeon. I pondered the possibility while descending the slope leading to the mid-layers.

By the time we emerged from the mine, it was already evening. Stepping onto the surface after half a day below felt oddly comforting.

"We gathered more than I expected."

"Yeah. And the map skill... it’s ridiculously convenient."

Though I’d bought a map from the guild, it ended up being useless. Not because the purchased map was too vague, but because the map skill provided an absurd amount of detail. While it didn’t show the locations of monsters, it automatically mapped out every area we traversed, and its range expanded as we moved deeper into the mine.

"Even the map I was using was practically useless compared to yours."

We also collected a significant amount of ore. The reddish-brown ones were mostly iron ore. Surprisingly, by using the appraisal skill on the mine walls, I could detect the presence of ores to some extent. Appraisal is incredibly handy.

Besides iron ore, there were a few rare finds. I never expected to get small amounts of mithril and Damascus steel. Now that I think about it, didn’t Master give me some ores and ingots as well? I should check that out later.

"Alright, let’s see if I can use earth magic to extract just the metals."

"That’s what you were aiming for?"

"Yep. I’ve made plenty of earth magic weapons in the Demon Forest, but there wasn’t much metal to work with there."

"Ah, I see."

Maybe Rio was remembering the weapons she had crafted with a focus on sharpness. Even though her specialty is magic, Rio isn’t bad with a sword. She’s not uninterested in weapon crafting either.

"But don’t stay up all night working on it, okay?"

"Haha."

Unable to answer immediately, I could only return a wry smile.

Besides weapons, it would be nice if I could make a wedding ring someday.