Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 158

While collecting materials with Lumia, we’re moving forward through the marsh.

“Detection!”

Using the skill, various materials appeared in my field of vision.

Most of them were shades of low-grade purple or blue. Among them, a few were displayed in red.

Looking at the silhouette, it somehow resembled a cactus.

Perhaps it could be one of the toxic materials Klaus had requested.

Carefully advancing towards it while staying vigilant of the surroundings.

Since the outline of the material became transparent when using the skill, I peeked behind the stone.

There, a plant resembling a cactus was growing.

【Poisonous Cactus Mushroom】

Although it resembles a cactus in shape, it’s classified strictly as a mushroom.

The spines growing on its body are poisonous. Moreover, if carelessly injured, it ejects liquid containing poisonous substances, so caution is necessary.

The toxins in the spines and the ejected liquid are the same. Exposure leads to significant swelling of the skin and intense pain for a while.

There’s a risk of blindness if it gets into the eyes. Prompt treatment is necessary if exposed.

“Wow, this is another dangerous material.”

Reading the information displayed during identification, that was my initial thought.

It resembles a poisonous cactus that grew even in my past life.

I already knew it, but still, Klaus had requested troublesome materials.

“Shuu-san, did you find something?”

“Yes, it’s the Poisonous Cactus Mushroom.”

With that, Lumia also came over and peered under the stone.

“Oh, it really is! Master said it’s a material that will cause trouble if touched carelessly!”

“By the way, did you ask about the collection method?”

“No, I thought Shuu-san would know.”

“I see.”

Saffy is too casual.

Even though I can figure it out thanks to my skill, it doesn’t mean I know everything.

Well, let’s think positively that there’s that much trust.

【By severing it from the base with a sharp blade, it won’t eject venom. Drying it without rotting the cut improves its storage condition.】

Hoping to learn the collection method, additional information like this emerged when I activated identification.

“It seems there’s a knack to collecting it. I’ll give it a try first, so please watch.”

Saying that, I asked Lumia to step back a bit and retrieved a collection knife from the magic bag.

It was a knife made by Drogan. With its sharpness, I should be able to sever it smoothly without any obstruction.

Covering my hands with Black Slime gloves to avoid getting pricked by the spines, I carefully brought the knife close to the base.

Pressing the blade against the base, I swiftly severed it.

I made sure to support the Poisonous Cactus Mushroom firmly so it wouldn’t fall.

It seemed like I managed to collect it cleanly without any venom ejecting.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

“If you carefully sever it with a knife like this, you can collect it without any issues.”

“I see! As expected of you, Shuu-san!”

Her eyes are full of respect, but my heart is pounding.

I even had thoughts about what to do if venom sprayed the moment I cut it.

However, to maintain dignity as a collector and as a senior, I behave as if nothing is out of the ordinary.

“Lumia-san, would you like to try collecting as well?”

The purpose of this collection is also for Lumia to gain experience.

It’s meaningless if only I find and collect it.

“Yes, I’ll do it!”

Without hesitation, Lumia immediately nodded in response to the question.

Despite it being such a dangerous material, she remains composed. It seems her resolve is not to be taken lightly.

Lumia takes out her own collection knife from her shoulder case and approaches the Poisonous Cactus Mushroom.

She bends down and carefully measures the angle for the knife to pass through.

I decide to prepare myself magically in case venom is ejected.

By creating a barrier between Lumia and the Poisonous Cactus Mushroom, any potential damage can be minimized.

Despite taking such precautions, I’m still worried.

While struggling to contain my anxious heart, I keep a watchful eye on her.

She finds a comfortable angle and brings the knife to the base.

Carefully aligning the blade, Lumia swiftly severs the base in one breath.

Since she supported it properly with one hand, it didn’t fall.

“I did it! I did it, Shuu-san!”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks to your advice, Shuu-san. Especially since this time it’s a poisonous material, I was really nervous.”

Seeing Lumia rejoice in her successful collection, I also feel relieved.

Because I don’t want to see my friend get hurt by dangerous venom.

“To preserve it in a fresh state, could you please dry the cut?”

“Sure.【Dry】.”

Lumia waves her hand over the Poisonous Cactus Mushroom and activates the skill.

Looking at the cut, it’s perfectly dried. With this, there should be no dripping venom.

“Just in case, I’ll put it in a processing bottle.”

“Please.”

Taking out a black bottle from the magic bag, I put the collected Poisonous Cactus Mushroom inside.

This is also a special bottle made using Black Slime skin.

It’s equipped with antidote and anti-acid properties, so even if it’s a poisonous material, it can be stored without any issues.

Even though it’s dried, it’s still scary to think that there might be a slight leakage of venom when taken out and it breaks. Better safe than sorry.

“With this, the collection is complete…”

“What’s wrong?”

Seeing my expression of concern, Lumia tilts her head.

Just to be sure, when I activate magic stone detection, I see the silhouettes of several monsters running on two legs from afar.

“Monsters are approaching from that direction. Judging by the silhouette, they might be Eos. There are five of them.”

“Eos Venom Fangs are task materials. Let’s intercept them here!”

As I convey this, Lumia draws the sword she had at her waist and readies herself.

On the subject of materials, she’s aggressive. I’ve already seen Lumia unfazed even in front of a Red Dragon, so I’m not surprised by this.

Upon moving to the open area, the Eos creatures revealed themselves and followed closely.

Their bodies were a poisonous purple with deep blue stripes.

They sprinted across the muddy ground on two sturdy legs.

They stood at around 150 centimeters tall.

It felt like a giant iguana standing and running.

They had something resembling a collar, with their throats slightly swollen.

【Eos – Danger Level: C】

A monster of the avian-dragon species inhabiting the Terra Phios Marshlands.

Individually, they’re not incredibly powerful, but they excel in group combat.

They always act in multiples and outwit opponents with their high intelligence.

Their fangs contain deadly poison, injecting neurotoxins when bitten.

They consume poisonous mushrooms, storing toxins in their throats.

When necessary, they can spit out the toxins as an attack.

They possess high endurance and a tenacious personality.

“It looks like Eos.”

I quickly recognized them since I heard they were common monsters from Rabis.

While their individual strength might not be high, their coordinated attacks and venom seem troublesome in groups.

“Gyaa! Gyaa!”

As they approached us, the Eos creatures issued their unique intimidation.

“Huh? There are only four Eos?”

“It seems one of them has flanked around to the back.”

Though it’s sneaking around from our blind spot, I’ve caught it firmly at the edge of my vision. Thanks to the detection skill, its position is crystal clear.

As indicated by the information from detection, it seems to have a cunning personality.

With such a powerful weapon as poison, we can’t underestimate its ability to strategize and attack.

“…We need to be careful.”

“Yes, let’s take them down without letting our guard down.”

“Gyaa!”

With that agreement, the leading Eos expanded its throat and spat out poison.

Because of its obvious telltale movement, Lumia and I quickly moved away from the spot.

When the purple venom hit the ground, there was a sound of something dissolving, and purple gas wafted up.

It’s a frightening attack.

The remaining Eos closed the distance with us as we retreated.

Two for Lumia, one for me. Perhaps they instinctively understand that females are easier prey.

But that’s a mistake.

“Haa! Take this!”

Perhaps due to training from Saffy, Lumia boasts a much higher melee combat ability than the average adventurer around here.

Before the venomous fangs of the Eos could reach, the two Eos were already cut down.

“Freeze.”

And the Eos that came at me was frozen solid by my magic.

There’s no way to miss a target coming straight at this distance.

In the blink of an eye, three of them were neutralized, and the Eos that spat venom seemed bewildered.

However, just as it seemed to unnaturally veer off backward, it began to intimidate provocatively.

“Graargh! Gyaargh!”

It must be to successfully ambush us from the blind spot.

Even though they’re monsters, their intelligence is surprisingly high; I really can’t afford to let my guard down.

When I glance at her, Lumia seems to have understood my intent and charges at the Eos in front, sword ready.

At that moment, the Eos attacking from behind launches its ambush.

“Ice Pillar.”

Thanks to the skill, I knew the timing perfectly, and as the Eos leaped, I slammed an ice pillar from the side.

With a hole punched in its side, the Eos was blown away and remained motionless.

Almost simultaneously, the Eos in front collapsed with a heavy thud.

“Well done, Shuu-san! Let’s collect the Eos materials!”

Shaking off the blood splatters, Lumia quickly switched to her collection knife.

Lumia fighting with a sword is dignified and beautiful, but somehow, this suits her better, and I felt it was more charming.