If you cared to ask, the first thing anyone would tell you about Kanva was that she was old. Old old. She had been around since anyone in Calchet could remember. That was saying something, in a place where one could as easily end up a centuries old elf as an early grave. Stories have been passed down about how she was a beauty in her younger days. Now she’s withered and old and has lines on her face like tree rings. Of course the second thing they would tell you is that you did not hear it from them.

After a bit more prodding, you would be told that Kanva lived alone off by the river in the woods. That was a shame, considering what a spectacular alchemist and doctor she was. On the other hand, it meant there was a lower risk of accidentally getting on her bad side.

Oh. Yes. As an afterthought, it may occur to them that they haven’t told you that she was part dryad.

It was on this day, nearly a week after the chaos of the dungeon’s visit settled, that we drove a wagon of goods towards the dungeon. It had originally been the duty of Fargy and perhaps some of the hunters but Kanva insisted we take on this burden. Nobody keeps pushing when she insists.

Of course I say we but she just sits in the wagon relaxing. Her apprentices do all the hard work. Not to mention there is only two of us. If I knew how hard she’d work us, I’d have chosen a part earth elemental or something with more endurance than a Vespide. I didn’t even absorb that much mana so all I got was these antennae, wasp wings, and two pairs of wasp legs coming out of my back. Worst thing is I’m way smaller than Kesia. She went for earth lizardkin. She’s like twice the size of me and ended up doing most of the work loading these items. As always. How was I supposed to know she’d choose that? How does being an earth lizardkin even help with alchemy.

[Kesia] Vance! Look! We can see it from here!

Thump thump thump

[Vance] Hey! Watch where you’re swinging that tail. You know you earth lizardkins basically have a mace for a tail.

[Kesia] Hmph. I’m sure you would have preferred it if I became one of those water types that hang out by the lake. I’m sure they’re much softer.

[Vance] Oh come on you know that’s not what I mean.

[Kesia} Oh look. That’s the path! It seems larger than Mr Fravit told us about. Oh there’s even kitties!

[Vance] I swear, this girl…

[Kanva] Hush now. You two know we’re here for business. I can hardly trust Sylcor and some mob’s judgement on how trustworthy this girl is. I don’t need you two blabbering away, making us look worse.

[Kesia] Yes mistress…

[Vance] We’ll try not to get in the way ma’am.

[Kanva] Yes yes. Just keep your eyes open. You never know if the dungeon would rather consume us instead of talking.

[Kesia] But didn’t Pyria and Fravit say it was pretty weak and lacks monsters? I don’t think it would stand a chance against you.

[Kanva] As likely as that may be, we shouldn’t underestimate it. Not to mention you are liable to just run off and of course the boy is going to follow wherever you go.

[Vance] T-That’s not true. It’s just someone needs to keep her out of trouble. That’s all.

We continued our usual banter until we pulled up near the path up the canyon wall.

[Vance] Should I fly up and let them know we’re here?

[Saeri] That’s unnecessary. You guys can leave all the stuff there and just come on up.

[Kanva] Saeri huh. At least it seems part of the rumors were true. At least the dungeon has the manners to get us a guide.

[Saeri] Of course Miss Kanva. Eita has been quite nice to me and quite reasonable to everyone else.

[Kesia] Waaa~ She’s cute. Look aren’t her clothes just adorable?

I was a little too on edge being near the dungeon to have noticed such a thing but I guess it’s true. Despite her small frame, the maidlike outfit she had on did give her a dignified yet doll-like appearance. I didn’t know her before this but if she’s Saeri, then she certainly doesn’t look like she’s been injured or abused.

As we were walking up the path I felt like I should warn Kesia once more.

[Vance] Calm down. We don’t know what will happen in the dungeon. The less we talk to her the better.

[Kesia] Don’t be like that. I’m sure both Saeri and the dungeon are nice. I mean, would a mean dungeon give such a pretty dress to her?

[Vance] Ha. Just. Just stay near us ok ?

[Kesia] There. You won’t worry if I just hold you like this right?

[Vance] Gah. What are you doing? Put me down! Ah come on wait I’m still a guy you know. AH hey you’re pushing me to spots where your scales don’t cover.

[Kesia] Don’t mind.

All I could feel was her squeezing me tighter and how smooth and warm the scales on her stomach were, as well as the skin between the lines of scales. I certainly can’t pay attention to the surroundings like this.

[Kanva] Hah. Those brats. So? Where’s this dungeon master of yours?

[Saeri] Eita will be meeting with you soon. She asked me to take you guys through the dungeon first.

[Kanva] Hmph. Very well. Go on then.

It seems we have some interesting characters doing the delivery. Here I expected that new mayor to do it. He seemed like the type that would get pushed into doing those jobs even after he became mayor.

Still, Saeri is doing a wonderful job as my little representative. She was so giddy and nervous when I told her she gets to speak for me but she’s doing well now. She’s not even stuttering or avoiding looking into their eyes. I’m impressed.

But more importantly, now that she’s lured them away from the delivery, I can just absorb it all. Let’s see if they’ll be surprised when the things they brought are already being incorporated.

Let’s see. More seeds and flowers. Let’s just add a few clumps of them randomly. I’m sure after growing and dying some they’ll find a spot in the floor that they prefer. With the ambient mana and temperature control I can make sure all the flowers are constantly in bloom anyways.

Hm, a few of these are seeds for larger trees. Interestingly, one of them seems to incorporate metals into it’s body structure. Well, I’m sure they’ll be incorporated well into the lower floor.

They also provided a lot of food items huh. Meats of various kinds. Lots of seafood too. Or I guess they would be lake-food? I’m glad the magical dungeon powers that be doesn’t require me to have a living sample in order to recreate some of these creatures. Although I don’t entirely understand it, I seem to need a certain amount of something to create it, although how much it is seems to change from thing to thing. Not to mention the more I absorb, the easier and less mana intensive it becomes to create the creature or item. To a limit, of course.

Everything makes sense so far. The most important thing the villagers would want is a steady supply of food and medicine. There are some fabrics in here too. They’re not as nice or durable as what I can make, but I guess most people wouldn’t wear things made of hide or spider silk in their everyday lives.

Oh! Here we are. This is what I’ve been waiting for. Metals! I can only get so far with wood and animal bits you know. I’m not some savage. They didn’t provide any ore, but I guess that’s to be expected. There’s no point in shipping ore to a remote town when they can just ship bars of the stuff. Ore is just…. Little specks and chunks of metal randomly spread out in some rock right? I’m sure I can recreate something similar.

As for what they did give me… some coins and some broken household items. Most of the coins seem to be made with steel, silver, gold, or some mix with the majority being those three. There were different shapes of each of those but I can have Saeri teach me the differences after. I expected some copper and iron coins, but I guess dealing with rust on those would be a nightmare for normal people. Most of the iron and copper I found in their deliver was in daily items. Damaged pots and pans, buckles and buttons, even a small buckler shield. Some coins and broken items. Still. This is more than enough base material to add some nice touches to the things I’ve been preparing.

Oh. Look. This must be lunch.