TNG Vol. 22 Chapter 3 Part 2

“(Could it be the effect of a leyline?)”

“(Most likely. Near leylines, rare medicinal herbs sometimes grow. In this case, it’s probably affecting minerals instead.)”

When Shin asked Schnee via the voice chat skill 【Mind Chat】, she told him that similar phenomena do occur.

He nodded in understanding, but also wondered if it was really okay to disclose the existence of such a valuable place.

“Isn’t this the kind of private information that is guarded with the highest security?”

“It’s not as simple as just burying iron. I can’t go into more detail, though.”

Bringing a finger to her lips, Shima gave a small smile.

Apparently, it wasn’t something that could be easily replicated. Realizing she hadn’t revealed everything, Shin nodded back. This was one of those things that would be troubling even if explained.

“Mind if I go take a closer look?”

“If possible, I’d prefer you not approach by ship.”

“Oh, that’s fine. This ship has a function that lets you go outside while underwater. With the gear I mentioned earlier and either a water-breathing skill or item, we can go out while submerged.”

“…What? Could I possibly watch that in action?”

“Sure, I don’t mind.”

Apparently, workers of the Black Faction always exited their submersibles directly and held on while diving, so Shima was very intrigued by the ship’s boarding system. That part hadn’t changed from the game era.

“Anyone want to come with me?”

“I’d like to join, if I may.”

“I’ll go too. I’ve heard about seabed mines before, but have never seen one.”

“I’ll go as well. The idea of iron turning into magic ore is fascinating, and I’d like to observe the magical flow up close.”

In response to Shin’s question, Schnee, Milt, and Sety raised their hands. The rest of the group stayed back.

Leaving the piloting to Filma, Shin and the others headed to the underwater access chamber in the bottom of the ship.

“This chamber fills with water, and once the gear transformation is confirmed, the bottom hatch opens. Then you just go out. If the equipment doesn’t change properly or the water-breathing ability doesn’t activate, the flooding stops midway, so there’s no risk of drowning.”

“I see. I’ve read in the documents that our advanced submersibles have similar chambers. So this is what they were for.”

As expected from a former guild house from the game, it retained blueprints, recipes, and items that had otherwise been lost to time.

Some of those were advanced versions of equipment currently in circulation, but many couldn’t be reproduced due to missing terminology, materials, or process steps.

Apparently, the chamber mentioned in old documents was thought to be a type of ballast.

The Hiiragi Union was known for optimizing equipment and item costs. Many beginner to mid-tier players relied on them.

In 【THE NEW GATE】, even a single item could have several crafting recipes, with rarer items having more variations.

It wasn’t uncommon for what seemed like the shortest route to actually be a huge detour.

Any production-focused player would agree that the devs were masochistic geniuses.

But it was because there were so many ways to approach things that players enjoyed the trial and error.

While the blueprints might look like advanced models to Shima and her peers, to Shin, they were the result of players’ creative tinkering.

“Well, I’m going out now. Shima, will you be okay as is?”

He asked in case she needed to change into something more suitable, but she replied that it wasn’t necessary.

Though she wore a lab coat over a one-piece dress, apparently the outfit was enchanted not to hinder underwater activity.

“Given the nature of my work, I go out to sea quite often, and getting wet is a regular occurrence. So I figured, why not make my workwear amphibious?”

It didn’t actually transform into a swimsuit, but it used tech under development for that purpose.

Being a mermaid-type Beast also meant she could function underwater without any issues.

“In that case, I’ll change into my underwater gear…”

At Shin’s cue, Schnee and the others’ clothes transformed into swimsuits.

Shima was surprised, but focused intently, trying not to miss the transformation process.

“Incredible. So metal armor can transform just like that too?”

“Yes. Regardless of the original equipment, the appearance stays consistent. The defense depends on the gear, though.”

“Defense…”

As she listened to Shin’s explanation, Shima’s gaze wandered to Schnee and Milt’s chests and hips.

Upon hearing “defense,” she must’ve imagined the durability of an actual swimsuit.

Naturally, swimsuits don’t provide protection.

“When it comes to combat, you can think of it like magic armor—it also protects exposed areas, right?”

“Exactly. It might look like we’re not wearing armor, but it still blocks swords, claws, and even spells, just like the original gear.

But since it’s meant for underwater use, the performance drops on land.”

Shin took a dagger from a box next to the chamber entrance and lightly swung it toward his arm.

The blade bounced off just before touching him with a metallic clang.

“It’s like you’re protected by an invisible barrier… 

If we combine this with the analysis of magic armor, we might be able to get even closer to completing it.”

She whispered the second part softly, likely not realizing she’d said it aloud.

“That’s very helpful. By the way, how is the swimsuit design decided? Everyone’s wearing different styles, and I can’t figure out the logic. Oh—but if it’s some special tech, feel free not to answer.”

Staring at the different designs, Shima suddenly panicked, realizing she might’ve asked a sensitive question about classified tech.

“Ah, it’s not some special technique. Actually, the skill turns gear into swimwear no matter what it originally was, but the exact design is random. You don’t know what you’ll get until you try it.”

“You don’t know…? So it’s not intentionally customized?”

“The explanation is a bit complicated, but yeah. Each time the skill is applied, it generates a different design. People sometimes keep trying until they get one they like—though there are definitely some duds mixed in.”

Images of Schnee and Tiera in “less-than-public-appropriate designs” flashed through Shin’s mind.

“You apply the enhancement multiple times? But wouldn’t that consume the capacity needed for other enchantments?”

“Oh, this transformation enhancement only uses up one slot’s worth of capacity, no matter how many times you do it. It’s like stacking it onto the same slot. That’s why you can keep trying over and over—but it’s pretty tricky. The variety of designs you get is incredible. Some of them are totally inappropriate for public, and others are like, ‘Is this supposed to be a joke?’”

“I’m really curious what those designs look like… but they must be something else.”

Shima’s gaze shifted toward Schnee. When Shin noticed her gulp softly, he wondered if she was imagining Schnee in one of those more risqué designs.

“So, everyone’s swimsuits are based on their own preferences?”

“Uh, well…”

Shin hesitated to answer Shima’s question.

Schnee and Milt—though they had consented—weren’t wearing swimsuits based on their own tastes. They were wearing the ones that Shin had reacted positively to, in other words, his preferences. Sety also chose a design that Shin thought would suit her. In the end, excluding Shima, every woman present was wearing a swimsuit that catered to Shin’s preferences.

That’s exactly why Shin was at a loss for words.

Milt grinned mischievously and teased him.

“Can’t talk your way out of this one, huh?”

“Guh…”

Even Schnee couldn’t quite bring herself to defend Shin this time and gave a troubled smile.

“Heh, you’re well-loved, aren’t you?”

“Well, yes, that’s true, but still…”

Though Shima was smiling, the idea that he appeared to be surrounded by a harem made Shin uncomfortable.

Explaining his relationships with Schnee and Milt would sound like making excuses, so he wasn’t sure how to even approach it.

“No need to worry. I understand how things are.”

Shin had his own world’s perspective, where being mistaken for forming a harem was uncomfortable.

But in this world, there was no such stigma. That much was clear from Shima’s expression and words.

(Yeah… I guess it does look that way.)

If their positions were reversed, Shin would probably draw the same conclusion.

Just from Schnee and Milt’s behavior, no one would assume they didn’t have feelings for him.

“By the way, Shibaid is with us too. How do you see his relationship?”

“Hmm… I hope it’s not rude to say this, but it feels more like a subordinate-master dynamic than anything else.”

Though Shima spent most of her time on Parda Island as a researcher, she clearly wasn’t out of touch with the world outside.

She likely honed her observational skills as part of her leadership responsibilities; knowing what technology should or shouldn’t be released into the world required a broader perspective.

“Oh, I’m different, by the way.”

Sety chimed in with a casual, conversational tone. Shima didn’t seem surprised.

“Oh, really? I did feel like something was a bit different.”

“Shin picked my swimsuit too, but unlike with Sis Schnee and Milt, the meaning of ‘preference’ is a bit different. My position’s more like Shibaid’s. I mean, just look at those two.”

Sety turned toward Schnee and Milt with an exasperated expression.

“They’re both a little different in type, but they’re… something else, right?”

“I can’t help but agree.”

Seeing Sety’s “give me a break” face, Shima smiled wryly and nodded.

“Trying to compete with those two is harder than taking on a dungeon boss solo. And it’s not just about looks—everything about them is overpowered. And sometimes, Tiara and Filma get involved too. Just watching them is enough to make me feel full.

And it’s not even about being attracted to their strength or power either—so as someone on the sidelines, all I can say is, ‘I wish you all the happiness in the world.’”

“Oh my…”

Listening to Sety’s rant, Shima seemed oddly delighted.

“Uh, maybe we should head out now?”

Sensing danger in letting the conversation continue, Shin hurriedly changed the subject.

They were all ready anyway; no reason to linger longer.

“Sorry. It’s just, when I realized this kind of topic comes up everywhere, I felt a little sense of camaraderie.”

“Camaraderie? Really?”

Not understanding what about this made her feel that way, Shin asked.

Shima gave a sheepish smile.

“Some of our technologies and knowledge require a certain degree of physical aptitude. People like me—those born with talent—must keep in mind the importance of passing on our bloodlines. When two such people come together, they can leave behind stronger children. To preserve our techniques, we must raise successors. It’s a necessity in a world where humanity has to fight for survival.

“But… treating it like breeding tools would go against our humanity. So we’re constantly asking ourselves—should we prioritize our duty as researchers, or our happiness as people? That’s what I believe.”

“…That’s heavy.”

Faced with such a serious topic, Shin could only manage a safe response.

“Yes. But in the end, we’re still human. Love and heartbreak are inevitable. There are stories of people who once cared only about their research, only to fall in love and change completely. So even people as amazing as you, Shin-dono, are still driven by feelings for others. That makes you relatable.”

“I’ve never really thought about choosing someone based on ability. Where I came from, well, that kind of thing existed, but most relationships were based on mutual affection.”

“I hope we reach a day when that becomes the norm here too. That’s why we have to keep trying.”

Seeing the spark of resolve in Shima’s eyes, Shin was reminded once again of how strong the people of this world could be.

As the conversation ended, Shin moved to start flooding the chamber to exit the ship.

But before he could begin, Shima spoke up again.

“Sorry—just one last thing. How do you communicate underwater?”

“We use a skill called 【Dive】. I’ve heard that for Beast types in underwater form, the skill activates with an effect equal to Level V, even if they don’t have the skill themselves.”

“Yes, in my case, between the skill and my experience, I’d say it’s equivalent to Level VII. As for you all… well, I don’t even need to ask, do I?”

Shima clearly understood from their demeanor that Shin’s group had the skill at maximum level.

“Anything else you want to confirm?”

“No, I’m good.”

“All right then, starting the flooding.”

As Shin began flooding the chamber, water began to fill the room quickly and quietly.

Once it was about 80% full, Shima’s body began to transform; her legs fused together and a fin sprouted.

It was one of the underwater forms unique to Beast types: a mermaid form.

Not all female Beasts took on this shape, but it seemed to be the one Shima had.

Once the chamber filled, the floor beneath them split open, revealing the sea below.

Shin and the others exited the ship, following Shima toward the mining operation ahead.

“It looks no different from a surface mineral deposit.”

Responding to Shin’s observation, Sety scanned the area with her eyes and added,

“But the flow of magic is unusual.”

Prompted by her words, Shin activated his Magic Vision. The flow of magic appeared before his eyes as a faint red glow. It was spreading evenly across the entire area where the workers were standing—without gaps, covering the whole zone. That wasn’t normal. Even when using 【Magic Vision】 on the surface, you’d never see magic flowing over the ground like that.

“Is this the influence of a leyline?”

“Hard to say. I’ve never seen or heard of magic from a leyline rising all the way to the surface like this. But we’re closer to the underground than the surface here, and the environment’s different. Maybe it’s a phenomenon unique to this setting. I’m certain it’s one of the reasons why plain iron turns into magic steel here.”

Looking closely, the flow of magic around the magic steel and some parts of the ground looked slightly different—thinner, perhaps because the magic was being absorbed by the buried iron or magic steel.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll need everyone to remain here.”

“Understood.”

To avoid interfering with their work, they followed Shima’s instructions and waited at the designated spot. Just being allowed to witness this was more than enough; there were no objections.

“What do you think, Schnee?”

“I’m with Sety. I’ve never seen a scene like this before. But… I don’t know, something about the flow of magic feels off.”

“Off?”

Shin glanced back at the ground after hearing Schnee’s words. But he couldn’t spot anything that could clearly be called “off.”

“What about you two—Sety, Milt?”

“I don’t feel what Sis Schnee does.”

“Same here. I wonder what it could be.”

Shin, curious about the discomfort Schnee had mentioned, linked up with Tiera and the others via 【Mind Chat】. After he relayed the strange feeling, the ship shifted its position—Tiera adjusted their view to get a clearer look at the ore vein.

“(…Shin, there’s something there.)” 

“(Something? A monster?)” 

Tiera’s warning came through 【Mind Chat】.

The strange flow of mana that Schnee and Sety had sensed brought a particular term to Shin’s mind: Miasma Demon.

“(I can’t say for certain, but it’s probably not a Miasma Demon. The closest comparison would be that monster we encountered at the elf village.)”  

“(Reforgerer… So, a Divine Beast then? But what do you mean it’s there? Is it lying dormant underground or something?)” 

There were Divine Beasts that inhabited the ocean depths; Shin had fought them before. But what lay before them now was land filled with buried iron. As far as Shin knew, there were no Divine Beasts that lurked beneath the seabed at such depths, the kind that could be called the deep sea.

“(Can you tell if it’s alive? If all we’re sensing is its presence, it could just be a buried skeleton or a mana stone.)” 

Back during the game era, there had been special zones formed from accumulated monster remains. If the monster were a Divine Beast-class, even a single bone could affect the surrounding area.

“(I’m not sure… It feels like it’s both alive and dead. If I hadn’t seen the real thing with you back then, I wouldn’t be able to say. But now… even with that, I still can’t tell. It’s definitely there, but whether it’s alive or not—I can’t tell.)” 

Shin trusted Tiera’s senses, shaped through countless battles together. And for her to say she couldn’t tell gave him a sinking feeling of unease.

While Shin was still thinking about what to do, a new message came from Yuzuha via 【Mind Chat】.

“(Shin, we should evacuate the workers immediately.)”  

“(Is it urgent?)”  

Her voice was still in little fox mode, but the tension in it carried the weight of her adult form.

“(Tiera’s right—there’s something there. But it’s strange. Its presence suddenly got stronger. I don’t know what’s going to happen.)”  

“(Seriously…)”

Why now, of all times? Shin bit back the urge to curse aloud. If both Tiera and Yuzuha were urging immediate action, he couldn’t afford to hesitate.

Shin gave a quick explanation to Schnee and the others, then kicked off into the water.

Even without a full explanation, they picked up on the urgency and followed right behind him.