Having explored the town in the other world and realizing the high value of monster materials from the Forest of Destruction, I feel confident about my financial prospects over there. I even managed to secure some extra income, ensuring my survival in that world.

But now, the question is, what should I do in this world? There’s no guarantee that the portal to the other world will remain accessible forever. If it closes, I might lose the powers inherited from the Great Mage. With that in mind, I should secure enough money here to sustain myself for life.

…Using otherworldly powers to make money—what am I even doing? No, no, money is essential! Surely, if anyone else had access to another world, the first thing they’d think about would be making money, right? …Right?

The simplest method would be to sell the gold coins and jewels I’ve brought back from the other world. This seems like an easy way to make a fortune quickly.

I’ve hidden the gold coins I earned from selling monster materials and the large gold coin I received as a bounty, along with the jewels I previously brought back. Altogether, they should be worth several tens of millions.

However, selling such a large amount of gold coins and jewels could draw suspicion. Come to think of it, can minors even sell such items? I’ll need to research this later.

"Tachihara, are you even listening?"

Crap! I was so lost in thought during class that my zoning out got noticed.

"Yes, I’m listening."

"...Then solve this problem."

"Alright."

(Scribble, scribble.)

"Hmm, seems like you were paying attention. You may sit down."

That was close. Thankfully, the Great Mage’s powers have sharpened my mind and memory, making studying easier than before. I was already a solidly above-average student, so this works out well.

Still, I need to figure out a good way to make money. Maybe Watanabe, with his love for otherworldly stories, might have some ideas.

"A way to make money, huh?"

After school, I decided to ask Watanabe while heading to the taiyaki shop we’d planned to visit. Since we’ve had silly conversations about things like what we’d do with a billion yen before, it didn’t seem strange to him.

"There are stories where people sell gold coins or artwork from the other world at auctions, for instance."

I see. Using my mom’s name, I might be able to sell items at auctions. But explaining the origins of the items might be tricky.

"In the other world, you could sell things like spices, sugar, or soap for a profit. But earning money in this world seems harder."

Exactly! Making money in the other world is straightforward—just become an adventurer or start a business. But here, it’s a different story.

"If you can use magic in this world, you could heal people’s injuries for money, maybe even cure diseases. Or, if you don’t mind being shady, you could use teleportation magic to rob banks. If you can manipulate stock prices, day trading is an option. Or you could record your magic and become a YouTuber."

Interesting suggestions. Healing injuries is possible with magic, but curing diseases isn’t, so that’s out. Robbing banks? Definitely a no-go. I’m not desperate enough to commit crimes. Manipulating stock prices? I don’t have such convenient skills. As for becoming a YouTuber, that’s way too conspicuous.

"It’s tough. Selling items from the other world still seems like the best option."

"Or you could take down Yakuza or criminal organizations and seize their money."

"...Is that even legal?"

Morally gray, but it’s tempting. Taking out villains while earning money sounds like a win-win for society. Maybe I should look into shady organizations.

We arrived at the taiyaki shop, bought some, and sat on a nearby bench to eat. Taiyaki with classic red bean filling is the best! By the way, did you know there are “natural” taiyaki, made in molds one or two at a time, and “mass-produced” ones made in molds for five to ten pieces at once? Fun fact!

Suddenly, my danger sense skill activated. It had been about a week since the last time, during a traffic accident. This time, the source was a bit farther away.

"Sorry, Watanabe. Something urgent came up. Let’s meet again tomorrow!"

Pulling out my phone, I pretended to take a sudden call.

"Alright, see you tomorrow!"

"Thanks! And sorry for cutting this short."

With Watanabe’s advice in mind, I hurried toward the direction my skill indicated.

"Please, spare my life!"

"I’ve had enough! You promised to leave your wife, but you never did! If that’s the case, I’ll kill you and die too!"

…What is this, a soap opera? In a love hotel room, a woman in her underwear was brandishing a knife at a naked, bloodied man. He was begging for his life, his leg injured and unable to escape.

"Fine! I’ll leave my wife and forgive everything you’ve done. Let’s get married!"

Wow. Even in this situation, he’s trying to placate his mistress.

"...Really?"

This woman is surprisingly easy to persuade. Maybe my timing wasn’t critical after all.

"No! I won’t fall for your lies anymore! Let’s die together!"

"Help meee!"

Alright, enough daytime drama. No matter how bad this guy is, letting a murder happen is out of the question.

"Sleep!"

"Huh…"

"Whew…"

I cast a sleep spell, putting them both out cold. Then, I used healing magic to stop the man’s bleeding, but only enough to keep him alive. A scumbag like him doesn’t deserve a full recovery.

Using the room phone, I called the front desk to report the injured man before leaving the love hotel. What happens next is up to them. If his wife finds out and he gets hit with a divorce and massive alimony, so be it.

Still, my first time in a love hotel ended up being this? Why do I have to witness someone else’s sordid affair?

From now on, I’ll need better preparation. While I can avoid being noticed by others using stealth skills, security cameras are another matter. For now, I’ll get some disguise gear to avoid being identified.