In the end, we returned to the inn with the iron ore we had obtained without handing it over to the guild. I wanted to use it for various practice purposes and planned to bring the surplus to the guild later.

Speaking of which, I had been so excited about the map skill that I had completely forgotten, but on the way back to the inn after leaving the mine, that stalker was still tailing us. They followed us all the way to the inn without any incidents, so I decided to ignore them for now.

"Alright, today I'm going to try all sorts of things with earth magic!"

"You don't have to declare it like that..."

Rio's exasperated voice interjected as I raised my enthusiasm. But hey, Rio, even if you're acting exasperated, your sparkling eyes give you away completely.

"First, let's practice with the iron ore."

"Okay."

Since testing it in our room at the inn wasn't ideal, we headed to a deserted spot outside of town. Being this far off the main road, no one was likely to see us. As long as we didn't cast flashy magic, it shouldn't be a problem.

I took the iron ore out of my dimensional box and activated earth magic, treating it like I was handling dirt as usual. Without much difficulty, I was able to transform the lump of iron ore into a perfect tetrahedron.

"I guess even iron ore is just a lump of dirt dug out from the ground."

"It seems so. It doesn’t really matter what’s mixed into the soil."

"Maybe I can use the same technique for removing gravel and stones from dirt to extract just the iron content?"

So, I started experimenting and was able to extract the iron with surprising ease. Oh yeah, I think I also need to mix in carbon and other elements. I guess I'll have to experiment with that too.

Anyway, as a first attempt, I quickly created a metal kitchen knife.

"Shall we try making lunch with this?"

"Ah, a test cut, huh?"

Since it was noon, we decided to prepare some food. I pulled out cooking utensils and ingredients from the dimensional box and began setting up.

Rio prepared some vegetables and immediately tested the knife.

"Wow, it cuts smoothly even without magical enhancement."

"That’s the advantage of it being metal."

"Yeah, this might turn out to be really promising."

It seemed the test knife met her expectations. My experience crafting weapons with the dirt from the Forest of Demons had definitely paid off. We got carried away and started making all sorts of weapons with little trouble.

"The map skill is here!"

Next, it seemed that Rio had also gained the map skill.

"I managed to integrate presence detection into my map too."

When I displayed my map as I spoke, icons appeared all over it. Using presence detection, I projected the presences I sensed onto the map.

"That’s amazing."

"But it’s tough because I have to focus really hard to make it work right now."

"Haha, that sounds pretty challenging."

"Yeah, I need to practice until I can do it unconsciously."

"Our master always said that too."

Our master had constantly drilled into us to "become able to use magic unconsciously, like breathing." Of course, this applied to all skills, not just magic.

"I’ve been slacking off lately, so I need to get back to basics."

"Hearing that makes me realize I’ve been the same."

Before coming to town, we had practiced floating various magical constructs around us and maintaining them. Naturally, doing that in town would draw too much attention, so we decided to practice with more discreet skills instead.

And so, without taking on any work, we spent the next five days honing our skills. We had already extended our stay at the inn when we were told it would take two weeks for the furniture we ordered to be delivered.

"Ah, Shu, Rio. I’m glad I found you here."

Just as we were finishing breakfast and enjoying some tea, Fleur came to visit us.

"Oh, what’s the matter?"

"I’d like to ask you for a job..."

"A job...?"

Huh? Fleur, a merchant, wanted to ask us for a job? What could it be?

The only thing that came to mind was material collection, but we’re still just E-rank adventurers...

"Given your skills, I’d like to make a direct request."

"We’re still E-rank, you know?"

I wondered if she didn’t know that, but...

"I’m aware. However, I’ve seen firsthand how easily you can take down C-rank monsters without a scratch."

With a smile, she made it clear there was no point in denying it. After all, she was the one who had bought the prey we had taken down for a high price. There was no point in trying to bluff.

"Haha, well, I can’t deny that."

We’d even brought B-rank prey to the guild once. Still, a direct request... If it was based on our skills, it probably wouldn’t be an E-rank job.

"Don’t worry; the request submitted to the guild will officially be E-rank."

As if anticipating my concerns, she explained the workaround.

"So the real job is something else?"

"That’s why you came directly to us."

"Yes, exactly."

She nodded deeply, then began to explain the job in detail with a serious expression.

As we listened, I felt sweat forming on my forehead. How did things end up like this...? No, wait. There’s no question this is because of us, isn’t it?

When I glanced at Rio, she had the same realization, her brow furrowed.

"Will you accept?"

"Of course! We’ll gladly take it on!"

Faced with Fleur’s request, we could only respond enthusiastically.