I stood in the darkness of the swamp, a fair bit of a walk from the camp. I'd preemptively used {Darkvision}, and informed the night guard that I was going for a midnight stroll to clear my head. After proving that I could in fact see in the dark, they went ahead and let me pass. Though I wouldn't stray so far as to risk night predators, I'd go just far enough that the lizardmen couldn't see what I was doing next.

I admired my surroundings, enamored with the fact that I could see a fair bit away with my magic, almost as if under a strange pale blue light. There was a very slight opening in the tree tops, just enough to let moonlight beam through to a small boulder I'd set my Translucer's Altar on. Overall, it was practically the perfect spot for enchantment.

{Crystal Blessing received! Open {World Item: Humble Beginnings} to accept. Next Crystal Blessing: 30 D, 00 H, 00 M, 00 S}

Midnight, lovely. The gracious hour in which I get my Data Crystals, that which I'm going to use to make some more stuff. I asked Todone if I could borrow his armor, and after an explanation of what I planned on doing he graciously accepted. Not to mention, I have a level I need to allocate, which ought to push things forward. I'd originally wanted to spec into scientist to help Crusch out with lab work, but sadly having enchantment skill would be far more preferable.

{Level Spent. Translucer raised to 1! You now have one available spell point!)

Fuckin' bullseye. Now that I've got another spellpoint, I've got just the spell I want to put it into. It took some thought and deliberation, but ultimately it would run as one of my better choices available to me.

{Conjure Animals: Provided they are a creature you have witnessed, you may magically summon a number of spirit copies ranging from one through eight based upon strength, size, and overall threat rating in comparison to yourself}

A couple of reasons behind why I chose this and not something that would prove far more useful from a utility perspective like {Heat Metal} or {Mold Earth}. For starters, there may come a time where I'm sorely outnumbered and need to take the heat off of myself. This spell will take care of that for me. And besides, having an additional combat spell would certainly prove useful in the future. I've been talking with some of the hunters later, and they've spotted lizardman tracks not of their own. What this entails, only time will tell. But at the very least, I'll be able to hold and fight alongside the others if it comes down to it.

{You have now learned: Conjure Animals (Tier 3)! Zero spell points remaining}

Wonderful, and with that out of the way, it's time to sift through the list of enchantments that are now available to me. The list has… significantly expanded, enough so that I feel genuine excitement at some of my new prospects. There's one in particular however that sticks out, so much so that I'm certain Todone would love it.

{Lesser Frost Resistance: Provides minor damage resistance to all ice-based attacks. Additionally, winter weather has little effect upon the wearer}

I know the kid would certainly love that, especially considering how much of a threat the cold can be to most of the demihumans of Tob. Alrighty, let's put some recipe points into that.

{Notice: Translucer's recipe 'Lesser Frost Resistance' unlocked!}

Alrighty, that's not the only enchantment I wanna make though. There's another few that are sticking out, and I'm starting to feel like a fat kid in a candy store. Some of these are still fairly plain, but there's certainly some utility to them. A few of them actually look like something I'll have to plan in advance for, being apparently useful for future labwork and the like. I scroll down to the next option that catches my eye on the list.

{Lesser Frost Damage: Provides a minor ice-damage buff upon any enchanted weapons}

… Oh Todone's gonna love me. That's definitely an enchantment I'll save for a metal spear though, so probably not gonna be until next month realistically seeing as I had plans to at least pimp myself out tonight as well. Still though, definitely gonna snag that.

{Notice: Translucer's recipe 'Lesser Frost Damage' unlocked!}

Honestly, if it weren't for the fact that I'm so self sufficient with making my own basic stuff, I probably wouldn't even have all these points to begin with. Still, it'd be best to hold off on a spending spree in case I find an opportunity to work with different things I could certainly use. A few other minor options that would let someone cast a spell through armor… hmm, seems as though I'll need to learn the spells if I want to do that though.

Ah, wait a minute, here's another good one.

{Moonlit Bud: When exposed to moonlight, regenerate a percentage of additional mana through an equipped item of choice}

The amount labeled down in the numbers isn't by much, but it's just enough that it would certainly make for being useful. I normally hate wearing rings, but that might make for a useful enchantment and I could only wear so much around my neck either. There's a daytime option as well, but… this is already worth quite a bit alone. Maybe I'll just push that off to the side, would make for a decent enchantment further down the line. For next month.

Damn, I'm actually having trouble picking and choosing now that I'm paying attention, and it's mostly because of how many recipe points they all cost. Wait a minute, this one can't be legal.

{Minor Satiation: Magically enhances your digestive tract, allowing you to get more out of a meal. Reduced need for food consumption}

Hey, wait a minute, didn't Ainz mention something like this being in Yggdrasil? This would realistically put less of a strain on resources whenever I'd be traveling. And there's a sleep option? Oh hell yeah, price or no I'm definitely getting these. Less time eating and sleeping means more time to plan and work, or even just relax.

{Notice: Translucer's recipe 'Minor Satiation' unlocked!}

{Notice: Translucer's recipe 'Minor Insomnia' unlocked!}

Those are definitely going on some of my stuff when I get the chance. With all of my major bases covered, I pull out the {World Item} and flip it open. Same as before, the crystals materialize from out of the pages, and I'm greeted with roughly the same quality as before, albeit significantly more now that I'm level sixteen. Overall, not bad, certainly useful for certain projects I have in mind. I can't help but flip through the pages, curious to see what the book wrote down about my story.

"And so, with the horror of the forest slain, our three heroes of the forest enacted revenge for the fallen, and peace once more came for the time being… what the sweet Caroline fuck is that supposed to mean?"

Alright, I really wish I could have a conversation with my Patron, because the more shit I see the more questions I end up having. At the very least, something nasty is on the horizon. Whether it's referring to the potential famines or something more, I really don't know. I want to know, but there's only so much I can do.

I sigh, continuously flipping through the pages. It's more or less the same thing as before, recapping everything that's happened up to this point through the rose tinted lens of a child's storybook. I snap the book shut, and slide it back into my bag. I had work to do after all.

I lay Todone's armor out, and I begin the process. Thankfully, seeing as I don't have to make an altar this time around, I can actually spend these crystals more wantonly now, and maybe even add additional enchantments onto the same armor? I'm not sure how that'll work though, so I better just focus on the prime choice for now.

Light slowly warped around the armor, and I saw the leather underneath turn a deep shade of turquoise, though the main plates still maintained their red-dyed hue. Additionally, fur seemed to return to the armor almost, though in a small amount.

{Enchantment Successful! Would you like to name this item?}

Thankfully, I'd managed to think of just the name.

"Frost Bane," I spoke out, watching the name etch itself into a panel.

I figured the name as being ironic, acting as an antithesis to the lizardman treasure 'Frost Pain' as well as being a bit of wordplay. Er, was it wordplay? Fuck, I don't know. Point being, it'll be our answer to Frost Pain when the time comes.

"Onto the next…" I couldn't help but mutter.

Tucking the armor away, I brought out my next item to enchant, Lulu's 'cloak'. I explained the same situation to her, and she more or less sputtered an affirmative. So now that I have this on hand, I can give it a nice enchantment. Mmm, ah what the hell.

{Notice: Translucer's recipe 'Daylit Bud' unlocked!}

She follows me around outside pretty frequently thanks to this thing, the least I can do is boost her magic prowess. I repeat the process as before, placing a crystal down and begin to do my work. The glow sparks up, mana pouring into the cloak as I try to do my magic.

{Enchantment Failure!}

The crystal shatters, as if simply placed under too much strain, and coats the cloak and the surroundings in a cloud of dust, making me cough. Thankfully, the dust itself doesn't seem to want to shred my lungs, so there's that. Still, it sucks that a crystal wasted itself. I place another crystal down, this one of slightly better quality. I wonder whether or not that would have an effect on things. I repeat the process, and watch as the cloak changes from it's simple canvas brown to black as night. A faint, hexagonal pattern weaves it's way through the fabric and shimmers, almost reminiscent of a solar panel. The bone pin we'd fashioned to hold it around her changed shape, appearing more like an ivory brooch in the crude shape of a sun with waving corona.

{Enchantment Successful! Would you like to name this item?}

"Daywalker's Cloak," I murmured, internally hating myself slightly as the words left my mouth. It sounded badass, but kind of in an edgy way. Either way, the deal was sealed, that was now the item's name.

I folded the length of fabric up, and tucked it away. Three crystals down, five left. Now to make something for me. If all goes well, I'll have a few crystals left to stockpile for when I'm better at this stuff. Still, I'd like to get at least something to keep me holding up. I'd weighed my options carefully, and honestly I'd prefer to have something that keeps me from getting winded now that I think of it. Those lizards, though I've been holding my own, they still manage to push out against me enough that I could really use the boost.

{Notice: Translucer's recipe 'Minor Stamina Boost' unlocked!}

I pull my pants down and whip off my boxers, tossing them down onto the table. Never thought I'd be enchanting these of all things, but it's certainly less obvious than say, a ring or necklace. Besides, I train and spar in these things, they should definitely give me a much needed edge. Is it cheating? I mean, yeah it's a little cheaty, but I'm just trying to level the playing field here between myself and the demihumans, even if it's by a fraction. As I cast the enchantment, the boxers… don't really change. That's fair I guess, it's not like it was a significant enchantment or anything.

{Enchantment Successful! Would you like to name this item?}

Nah, it's just a pair of boxers. I slip them back up, as well as my pants, and I begin packing up. I'd wanted to accomplish more tonight, but my mana was starting to run a little low, and I needed to rest in order to make sure I would be at peak operating strength tomorrow. Crusch let me know earlier that they had apparently made a breakthrough in the 'lab', and that they'd like me to come down tomorrow as soon as possible, despite originally being a day where she should be studying. I guess old Marscha thought it was important enough to let her go.

With everything now on me, I make my way back to the village, intent on getting some sleep and ready to give them their gifts. Hope Lulu doesn't mind if I just leave her cloak in a basket at her doorway, I'd rather it be a genuine surprise in the morning for her. I'll even leave a note I know she'll be able to read, she's been making leaps and bounds with basic word structures in her studies. Pictograms would probably help though.

"Ergh… you can… let… go…" I wheezed out, feeling my bones mold out of order from the vice-like pressure Todone hugged me with.

I was the first to wake up this morning, and managed to start my morning chores and routine. As Todone had woken up to the scent of tea, he spotted the armor on the table, and after a few words from my part… yeah. The fact that Yulg was still sound asleep in his part of the hut was a miracle.

"You never cease to be such a strangely kind human, Nolan," he chuckled out, finally letting me slip from his death grip.

I gasp and cough. Holy shit, I can't stress it enough, this kid is a mutant.

"Any time kid, any time," I say weakly, struggling to maintain my footing. "Can't wait to see what Lulu's reaction is. At least I know she's physically weaker than you…"

We both sat down, intent to enjoy a cup of tea before we would head out for morning exercises. Thankfully, my boxers seem to have helped me catch my breath much quicker than it probably normally would have been, small blessings. As I wafted the fragrance of my cup with a relaxed sigh, I made a nod to Todone.

"So kid, now that you've got your armor set up, whaddya think about a better spear?"

He looked up from his cup with lightning speed, before waving me off. "No no no! You've already made me enchanted armor, this alone is a wondrous boon you've provided me with! I couldn't possibly ask any more of you!"

I snort at that. "Alright, then I ain't askin'. Crusch told me to come by the alchemy hut for the results of their experiments down there, and if it's what I think it is then you'll definitely reap from it. You're gettin' a blister steel spear first chance we get"

He opened and closed his mouth, glubbing and sputtering like a fish, before he sighed and nodded. "Very well. I have no clue as to what this 'blister steel' is, but it sounds powerful"

I waved my hand at that in a wobbly motion. "Eh, not really. It's one of the more primitive forms of steel. I don't exactly have experience working it, but I do have experience making it. Once I've made a stockpile, I'll go ahead and take it down to… uh… shit, I actually don't think I got her name"

He raised a brow at that. "Her?"

"Well, she's really big and muscly, and she's in charge of most of the craftsmen and artisans of the village. I got so caught up by… thing… that i guess I forgot to ask. That's a might embarrassing actually"

I rubbed my neck at that, sheepishly grinning. "Guess I owe her an apology".

Todone meanwhile seemed torn by my words, though as to why I couldn't say. Before I could ask however, he decided to take the tone of the conversation down a different road.

"So I know it probably isn't in your best interests as the lizardmen could just as easily provide you the way, but… would you still be interested in coming with me to visit my tribesmen anyways?"

I blinked at that. "Are you sure? I'm kind of an open book, and if they ask anything about the lizardmen, then I'm likely going to say what's on my mind there. And considering the time I've spent with them as of late, it may not be an answer some of them would like to hear".

He winced at that, nodding. "I concede to that, but I know that my mother has some pull with the tribes. If we can at least show her that you mean well, the others should follow her judgement. As for the lizardmen… I hate to say it, but we may very well need to actually bring that up"

I couldn't help but widen my eyes at what he might be suggesting. "You mean…"

He nodded. "I only ever saw our side of the conflict, but having spent time and talking with the others… you were right. There was two sides to the story, and neither of them was right or wrong. It is… eye opening, in a strange way, to know how similar we are despite our initial differences"

I let the air breeze out through my nostrils as I feel my chest relax. The kid's wisening up and managing to put aside his prejudice to judge the situation evenly. I can't help but feel a little proud of him, it's not easy looking at things like that. So easy is it, to fall purely to one's own emotional responses to the situation. The heart's a bitch like that.

"That won't be an easy road you know," I began. "There's going to be struggles and fights, times where we'll end up crying… you feel absolutely certain we should do everything we can to pull it off?"

He took only a moment to deliberate on his answer. "I think we should unite the tribes, both Toadmen and Lizardmen"

Internally, I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. I was originally loath to bring such an idea up to him and the others, but if he came to the conclusion himself then… I think the kid's on the right path in life, and I won't have to worry about bringing it up unless in reference to 'his' idea. He said it first, after all. Not afraid to get dirty, but not willing to betray himself. He'll definitely help with bringing things a step closer to what I want in a country. I smile softly, and raise my cup in toast.

"Well then… here's to the future of Tob," I spoke happily.

He raises his own cup, his own eyes and mouth making that smiling shape he makes. "To Tob".

Nolan Potts, Human (Karma: 60 [Neutral]) [18/21 Spell slots used]

Classes: Brawler (5), Ranger (3), Druid (4), Clothier (3), Translucer (1). Total Level (16).

Spells (Druid): Frostbite, Entangle, Create or Destroy Water, Guidance, Jump, Cure Wounds, Dust Devil, Protect from Poison, Hold Person, Spike Growth, Lesser Restoration, Water Breathing, Darkvision, Sleetstorm

Spells (Ranger): Animal Friendship, Speak to Animals, Ensnaring Strike, Conjure Animals

Gear: Canvas Clothes (Sturdy, Weathered), Oak-Handled Brush-hook, Canvas Coyote Pack of Holding, Bundles of Herbs (Medicinal), Bundles of Smoked Bug Meat, Bone toolkit

Items of Note: {Humble Beginnings}

Party Members are as follows…

Member One: Todone, Son of Kodrotti, Toadman (Karma: -15 [Neutral])

Classes: Toadman Warrior (9), Brawler (8), Total Level (17).

Member Two: Crusch Lulu of the Red Eyes (Karma: 50 [Neutral])

Classes: Awakened Elder Blood Lizardman (1), Druid (6), Spirit Shaman (3), Summoner (1), Total Level (11)

Member Three: Yulg (Karma: 30 [Neutral])

Classes: Goblin Marauder (1), Brawler (8), Warrior (2)