Let’s Play Minecraft in a World of Swords and Spells

(Walson)

The next day.

Before heading to the labyrinth, there were many things that needed to be done. Besides preparing supplies, obtaining information about the creatures and terrain was also crucial.

Isn't it common to check a walkthrough before entering a dungeon? Even Akihiko Kayaba said, "Although it's a game, it's not just for fun." Moreover, it's not a game now; entering the labyrinth means risking your life, so being well-prepared is essential.

Are you saying you're a dedicated gamer who never looks at walkthroughs? Well, I almost died in the Labyrinth of Water because of the lack of information, and now I'm about to enter the Guardian of Flame's labyrinth, which is probably even more dangerous.

So, I need to roam the streets and alleys, gathering information everywhere!

"...That's what you say, but... wouldn't it be better to go to the information house for information? The information there should be more accurate— Honestly, you just want to go shopping, don't you?" Barella beside me complained.

"Shh! This is obviously something that annoying [Hero] shouldn’t hear!" I raised my index finger to my lips, signaling Barella to keep it down.

Who knows if that guy is lurking around, eavesdropping on me!

I can't fully trust the [Mini-map] on this. After all, she's a [Hero]! Maybe she has equipment that gives her super hearing.

"I think if I can see through you so easily, she shouldn't have trouble figuring it out either."

"...Aren't you enjoying shopping too!? Tell me, what are you going to use those wind-up toys for!?"

I saw Barella holding a bunch of unidentified items. Yes, steam technology items are cool and novel, and large steam mechs can be used to carry heavy loads, but toy mice...??

"What's the big deal? They're cute."

"..."

Come to think of it, Barella is probably the most normal girl in terms of values and preferences in this team... This, this is indeed an impeccable argument.

"Walson, where are we going now?" Tanaya, who had been silent all along, spoke up.

On my right is Barella, and on the left... is the cute blue-haired Tanaya!

What are the characteristics of the Horned Demon race? In the public's impression, apart from the horns, it's naturally their naturally tall and sturdy physique. It is said that the adult females of the Horned Demon race are at least 220 centimeters tall.

Tanaya is clearly an exception; her height is only 140 centimeters... Maybe she's a half-breed? Mixed with some short race...?

"Oh, right, we're going to the raw mineral market now... Or maybe I should buy a toy mouse for you too?"

"Tch, what a lolicon, how disgusting," Barella coldly criticized.

"Hey now, what’s the big deal? They're cute, anyway!" I repeated the same line to Barella.

Barella's face turned green and white alternately. Hahaha, Walson scores one!

Barella silently walked to my left and suddenly let go of Tanaya's hand.

"Come, be good, this is for you. Don't get close to this person in the future." Barella squatted down, placed the toy mouse in Tanaya's arms, and then spoke with an extremely serious tone.

"Huh? Can't I get close to Brother Walson?" Tanaya cutely tilted her head.

"And don't call him Walson, call him a pervert— Ah!"

I cut Barella words with a fast chop to her head. "Oi, what nonsense are you telling this kid!?"

...

...

...

In the midst of the commotion, we arrived at a building that had a pot-like appearance.

This building can be said to be extraordinary, something you'd only see in anime on Earth in my previous life — a completely metal structure, steam venting out, workers shouting, and gears covering the walls inside and outside the building.

This is one of the reasons I came here, for sightseeing.

Speaking of the labyrinthine city, the place where steam technology is most applied is undoubtedly the mineral market.

As for the technology of steampunk, you might wonder why it's almost nonexistent outside of the Dwarven Kingdom? Isn't there any trade that would bring it to other countries? Or why haven't other races developed this technology?

To understand this, we need to start with the Dwarven race.

Unlike elves, who can be seen in many places, whether it's during my time in Sadin Village or the capital, the dwarves I've seen can be counted with one hand. One reason why dwarves are rarely seen in other countries is their stubborn stereotypical image, and another reason is their strong psychological dependence on their homeland — the Dwarven Kingdom.

The Dwarf tend to do many of their customs in their homeland, including marriage and childbirth. Dwarven merchants are rare, and there are no dwarves willing to reside outside.

This psychological dependence includes various factors, and steam technology itself is one of them.

The huge robots transporting goods outside, each with a central device called the [Thermodynamic Core], which is the core technology of steam power, can be understood as a battery. Mechs without a [Thermodynamic Core] not only cannot exert strength but also have significantly reduced operating time, becoming like toys. The toy mice that can be sold to outsiders are an example of this.

The [Thermodynamic Core] is the foundation of the Dwarven Kingdom and cannot be exported. Additionally, not all dwarves can manufacture the [Thermodynamic Core].

Skilled craftsmen with the ability to master this technology are located in a tier-one city where outsiders are not allowed.

To supplement, the manufacture of the [Thermodynamic Core] is said to have strict requirements. Besides requiring a significant environmental temperature, it also needs multiple dwarves to simultaneously perform [Metalforge Manipulation] to produce the alloy.

In the past, some countries gathered numerous scholars to explore the manufacturing method of the [Thermodynamic Core], but ultimately, they all failed due to the factors mentioned above.

As for what the [Metalforge Manipulation] is? Let me explain.

If the racial trait of the elves that they are proud of is the ability to create an [Elf Weapon] using their [Elvenisation[, then for dwarves, it's their [Metalforge Manipulation].

Similar to the elves, each dwarf has a corresponding metal affinity. For dwarves, their coming-of-age ceremony involves successfully using the [Metalforge Manipulation] on a specific metal. If a dwarf successfully uses the [Metalforge Manipulation] on, let's say, [Iron], their status will show an additional [Mineral Affinity Selected - Iron]

Later on, as long as the selected forging material is iron, they can easily produce high-quality iron products. The difference from elves is that elves can choose the object they want to [Elvenise], but dwarves can't. It seems that the mineral affinity is decided from birth... It's a bit of a pity. If there were dwarves who could successfully manipulate [Orichalcum Steel], there might be more divine equipment in the world, right?

Returning to the aforementioned [Thermodynamic Core] technology, this thing has extremely high requirements for all alloy components inside. Therefore, multiple dwarves are absolutely necessary.

That said, let's return to what I'm currently doing.

"Young master... these three diamond raw stones... don't need any polishing or anything?" Behind the gem stall, the dwarven uncle shopkeeper looked at me with a somewhat puzzled expression.

"The person who sent me said they're for mineral research and such. Besides, I'm paying, so don't think too much about it." I made up a reason while opening the bag and placing a large bag of gold coins on the table.

For things like diamonds, it's better to just buy them in the real world. After all, I have a lot of money, so it doesn't matter.

"Alright... then, young master, do you want to take a look at these accessories too? Maybe you can give them to a girl you like?" Seeing the shiny bag of gold coins, the dwarven uncle's entire demeanor became enthusiastic, and he kindly introduced other items on the stall.

The way he looks like he's going to fleece me... However, for the girls...

Thinking about it, I began to seriously select things from the vendor.

For Grace, I wonder if she would like an amethyst necklace? For Melon, would she be happy to receive this sapphire earring? Derisha and this agate crown might be...

Oh, right.

"Barella, is there anything you want?" I turned to ask.

Since Grace, Melon, and Derisha all received gifts, it's strange for Barella not to have one.

"M– Me?" Barella, holding Tanaya's hand, looked pleasantly surprised.

"Yeah, let's get gifts for everyone."

"Uh... then, can I have that... engraved..."

“What?”

"That…. engraved bracelet? Is that okay?"