Konbini Ossan Volume 2 Chapter 10 – Planting the Seeds
After purchasing the rag robes, I finished checking out the rest of the market and headed for my next destination.
That destination was the Adventurers' Guild.
In fact, I was hoping to get another batch of junk magic stones today. And if the opportunity presented itself, I planned to accomplish one more objective.
I entered the guild and casually scanned the room for someone. If the person I’m looking for isn’t around, I’ll just collect the junk stones and call it a day.
But there he was. I spotted him quickly and walked over.
“Hey there, Gaius-san.”
“Oh? If it isn’t Otogi! What’s up? Got something you wanna ask this ol’ pro?”
The man I approached was an adventurer named Gaius.
As you may recall, he was the seasoned adventurer who got involved when I was reading the rookie manual and a bit of a scene unfolded.
After that situation was resolved, I actually ended up learning a few things from Gaius under the pretense of "veteran adventurer wisdom."
Though, to be honest, it was almost identical to the content of the manual.
That said, I found out something else then — Gaius is a C-rank adventurer. A shining example that adventuring doesn’t require much in the way of brains.
Honestly, he's part of the reason I don't place much hope in the long-term prospects of being an adventurer.
Still, a C-rank is no small feat. Since only truly exceptional people make it to B-rank or above, C-rank effectively puts you at the top of the general adventurer population.
That kind of title carries real weight and influence.
In fact, my association with Gaius has led some adventurers to treat me with a bit more respect.
Just flattering this guy raises my reputation by association. Can’t get easier than that.
And today is no different. The reason I came to the guild is to make use of this loud, simple-minded but influential man.
Gaius, oblivious to my intentions, laughs cheerfully. He’s surprisingly harmless when he's like this.
I do feel a little guilty using him like this — but honestly, it’s not my fault he’s so easily manipulated. It’s his own lack of intelligence.
(E/N: I feel bad for this "Idiot" Uncle, our Uncle has been roasting him thoroughly, 😂)
So, I have no reason to feel bad.
“Actually, Gaius-san, I’ve brought a magic tool I’d like you to try out.”
I jump straight to the point and pull a Light Stone out from my storage pouch.
“Huh? Looks like a plain old magic stone to me.”
“Not quite — this is the magic tool. Try holding it and channeling a little mana into it.”
“Alright, leave it to me!”
Gaius takes the Light Stone and infuses it with mana.
As expected, the Light Stone begins to glow, thanks to the enchantment I placed on it.
“Whoa! It lit up! It’s glowing!”
“Yes. It’s called a Light Stone, a type of magic tool. It lights up when mana is channeled into it — and can be turned on or off at will.”
“No kidding! That’s super handy!”
“I was hoping to hear your opinion on it, Gaius-san — as a respected veteran adventurer.”
“Gahahaha! That’s a great idea! I’m actually about to head into a dungeon, so I’ll be wandering around in the dark for a while. I’ll give this little Light Stone a test run.”
“Thank you very much.”
I give him a polite bow of thanks. As long as I keep up this respectful attitude, Gaius will stay in high spirits.
That makes him easy to handle.
“One thing to note – when the mana in the stone runs out, the light will fade. Though it lasts longer than a normal lantern.”
“Got it. So it's single-use?”
“Actually, no. The Light Stone recharges when exposed to sunlight. As long as you let it absorb daylight now and then, you can keep using it indefinitely.”
“Whoa, that’s impressive.”
Gaius stares closely at the glowing stone, probably doubting that such a high-performance tool could come from something that looks like junk.
“Well, I’ll test it out and see for myself. I’ll give you a full report soon. You’d better be grateful, Otogi!”
“Of course — I appreciate it more than you know.”
I bow again, and Gaius lets out a loud, satisfied laugh.
“Gahaha! Alright, Otogi. I’ll hang onto this, then. Catch you later!”
Looks like his dungeon party had gathered. He walks off to join the group of adventurers.
With that, I’ve completed my most important task today.
Gaius will likely serve as a perfect walking advertisement.
He’s proud and loves showing off. If he thinks he’s got a special magic tool, he’s definitely going to boast about it to his fellow adventurers.
And again, he’s a C-rank — effectively the highest among regular adventurers.
Having someone like him use and vouch for the Light Stone will lend it a great deal of credibility.
Without some kind of promotion like this, the Light Stone is just a suspicious piece of junk stone — and sold for the suspiciously high price of over ten silver coins.
If some no-name new shop tried to sell something like that, nobody would even glance at it. It wouldn’t sell at all.
To avoid that outcome, I decided to plant the seeds — by enlisting Gaius’s help.
The cost of his "promotion fee" is the Light Stone I gave him for free.
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E/N:
Ossan's got a superiority complex streak to his thinking but as long as he doesn't let his intrusive thoughts out loud, all's good, right? Stay tuned!
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