Prologue - The Mine and EX-Skill

"With this, it's finally 100 huh..."

It was the dim entrance of a mine; for the past few days I'd repeatedly come to this mine, searched for a bit and went back.

"If I progressed deeper, I'd find more mining points, but since there's no deadline on this quest it doesn't matter. I don't need to hurry with collecting them."

What I was undergoing now, was a Sense-based quest for 【Smithing】 and 【Craftsmanship】. Previously, my 【Craftsmanship】 level hadn't reached the required level and I wasn't able to receive the quest, but after satisfying the conditions it was possible for me to undertake it, as I am now.

"Even so, the accomplishment criteria of this quest——to gather 100 pieces of ore in the mine eh."

At the entrance of the Mine dungeon near the third town it could be mined safely, as there were almost no mobs placed there.

Among the items mined, there weren't only ore-type ones, but also large quantities of materials such as Stones or Soil which I brought back instead of discarding.

And that monotonous work ends today. I went back to the third town while carrying a pickaxe I had borrowed for the quest. My destination was the tavern in which I had received the quest order from. There I spoke to the quest-giver NPC.

"I've collected them all. 47 pieces of Copper Ore, 31 pieces of Iron Ore, and 22 pieces of other ores."

"Hmm. Then I'll acknowledge you as a full-fledged miner."

"Fuhh, the quest's finally complete..."

Although it wasn't long, I finished a tedious quest, then I recalled the time I received it.

"Hmph, the obstinate one's back again."

"Yeah, this time I've properly raised my level."

"Then try hitting me. If I take even a step back, I'll acknowledge you."

The male NPC quest-giver spoke a fixed statement initiating the quest.

This man was the NPC who chased me out when I came to this tavern for the first time. He said various things to me, like 'you're not strong enough' or 'as if you could do smithing with such thin arms!' and like that I was forced out while being unreasonably scolded, but I was able to receive the quest like this eventually.

And after the exchange of words for undertaking the quest, I hit the NPC's belly. And something like this happened.

His abdominal muscles were as hard as iron. If I normally punched it, I would most likely hurt my hand, unable to make him move an inch or deal any damage.

"Is it really okay to hit with all my strength?"

"Yeah, a man doesn't go back on his word."

"Is that so. Then I'll go with all I have."

This was the exchange we had when I was receiving the quest for the second time. This time, my 【Craftsmanship】 level exceeded the requirements and I should be able to undertake the quest. However, I wasn't satisfied with just that.

"Here I go. 《Enchant》——Attack!"

Including my anger for the unreasonable scolding he gave me last time, I punched him with all strength I had.

"Eh, wai..."

This time, it was all my strength. I used the self-reinforcement from the 【Enchant】 Sense I had, increasing my physical attack power. Moreover, on all the fingers of my right hand I used to punch him, I had rings with ATK increase which further raised my attack power stat. The man opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but I didn't bother with it and punched him.

"——Fly away!"

That's when I used the accessories I held on my clenched hand like a knuckle, and put into practice the tips for punching I learned from Magi-san. Stabilizing my lower body, and while rotating my arm I released a straight punch.

"...haa?"

*Clang*, *dingg*. Despite it being the result of my own actions, I let out a silly voice. The punched NPC's body bent into a shape similar to a 'く' character; drew a beautiful arch, and only stopped on a wooden table, knocking off glass bottles lined up on it. Although I had raised the power and damage a little, I was stunned by this unexpected result.

"...heyy, are you alive?"

"Yeah, I acknowledge your strength. However, that's merely the entrance of 【Smithing】."

As if nothing happened, the male NPC stood up. His rugged face made an even more grim expression, feeling pressure for a moment I made a step back. However, the man's legs were trembling like those of a newborn fawn, I understood that he properly received the damage.

"Now then take this pickaxe, go to the nearby mine and collect 100 pieces of ore. After finishing it, you will be acknowledged as one of the miners."

While saying so he passed a bit worn-out pickaxe, which I received. With this pickaxe one could mine only in the specified location. In other words, it was something quest-limited.

I managed to safely receive the quest, let's immediately head to dungeon and start it.

And as I headed to the exit, my shoulder was grabbed from behind.

"...Miss. Reimburse the table and liquor."

"Y-yes..."

The Tavern's dandy manager smiled at me, but there was a blue vein visible on his temple as he spoke. When I looked at the person; who was taller than me, I felt a little scared, obediently nodded and reimbursed him.

Also there's one thing I'd like to reassert, although this dandy manager called me 'miss', I want to correct it. I am a man!

 

 

"Ahahaha, Onee-chan, you went too far, even if you were asked to punch an NPC for the quest, to knock him over and be charged with the shop's repair costs is..."

After finishing the quest and successfully obtaining the EX-Skill I came back to my shop, 【Atelier】. There, I met with Myu and explained the quest sequence to her. And after hearing that Myu was currently holding her stomach and laughing.

"M-my stomach hurts, I laughed too much. But getting fired up like that instead just clearing the quest for reward is very much like you, Onee-chan."

"I said already, don't call me 'onee-chan'. I'm your brother."

Good grief, I let out a sigh and confirmed my own appearance.

My body has gained curves and my black hair grew long giving off a feminine impression, but in real, I am without a doubt a man. During the character edition, a correction is applied to balance the body. In my case, for some reason I was given a feminine modification and my appearance turned out like this.

"Sorry about that, but as long as you're having fun. So, what did you get for that quest?"

"Oh, a 【Mining】 EX-Skill and the tool for it, a pickaxe."

While saying that, I took out the pickaxe from my inventory and showed it to Myu. It was surprisingly heavy and required one to get a knack for it in order to swing it down straight.

"Hmm. Maybe I should learn an EX-Skill too."

"That's fine I guess? But, the requirement for this quest is to have either 【Smithing】 or 【Craftsmanship】 level 25 or above."

"Then I give up. Now then, do your best, Onee-chan."

"Geez... welcome."

I said so ending my conversation with Myu, and greeted a player who just entered 【Atelier】. Myu was still looking and touching the samples installed on the wall unbothered and touched the little beasts who were occupying comfortable spots in the store warmed up by daylight.

After the summer event's camp which finished the other day, a few customers have started visiting the 【Atelier】.

Among them——

"Excuse me. Sandwiches for take-out."

"Sandwiches are supplied by the clerk over there."

I answered politely with a smile. I was happy to be selling my merchandise, but deep inside I had a very delicate and complex feeling as the only thing that sold were Sandwiches.

In the store, although it wasn't constant, a decent amount of visitors was entering and purchasing what they required. From time to time, there were players who didn't understand the NPC's, Kyouko-san's explanation and came directly to me for one. In cases like those I explained how to utilize an item by myself.

"But... why am I being asked to explain about food and young beasts."

Originally, 【Atelier】 was a shop dealing mainly with consumables like potions and antidotes. However, after the satiety system was introduced in order to improve the 【Cooking】 Sense right before the event, the food items had influenced it like this.

"I'm happy that the food items are being evaluated well, but why is such reverse phenomenon happening?"

Although I prepared Sandwiches as a hobby and added it to 【Atelier】's line-up, they have become a hot-selling product comparable to Potions.

Then, another female player came as a customer.

"Hello. One 【Nanny】's smile please."

"That article is not for sale. Hurry up and go home."

"Eeeh?! Then five Sandwiches and three Blue Potions, also, three Antidote Potions."

This time, accepting a proper order Kyouko-san removed items from the box under the counter and placed them on top of it.

I felt like asking a question to the female player in front of me who had a slovenly, smiley expression and was looking at the corner of the store.

"Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Yesyes. What is it?"

"Um, 【Atelier】 is a store dealing with consumables like potions, what do you think about it selling sandwiches? I thought I would ask."

I want to ask for your opinion, the girl in front of me opened her eyes wide and while waving her hand in front of her mouth she emphasized.

"You lack self-awareness! A broad-minded motherly figure holding the nickname of 【Nanny】, instead of being proud you stay humble. Your inner beauty is overflowing when you're in contact with young beasts. As proof of your purity you own a unicorn which spurs your popularity even further! A sandwich handmade by a beautiful girl like that! It's a product which is a collection of romance for both men and women! Among OSO's players there's many who have earned a nickname through either combat or crafting, but having one given because of one's personality, that's extremely rare!"

I was the one who asked, but I'm sorry. Please forgive me already. I appealed while using an instant-blush technique when I heard the machine gun-talk.

Probably satisfied with seeing that reaction of mine, the girl responded with 'thank you for a treat', and with a smile she left the store.

Some of the players remaining in the store listened to the long lines which could be called lavishing with slightly disrespectful praises and left the store with uncomfortable expressions.

When the last customer was leaving, along with Kyouko-san I called out 'thank you very much', sending them off.

"What's up with that. It's beyond the level of 'embarrassing'."

I covered my face with both hands and tried to cool it off, but it didn't go too well.

"That's why I told them not to call me 【Nanny】."

"Ain't that fine, 【Nanny】 sounds wonderful. Makes you seem caring."

To that voice, *bam*, turned around reflexively and with my elbow I hit Myu who was still in the store. She probably heard those compliments from before, I covered my face with hands again, embarrassed.

Seeing me like that, the young beasts that were waiting in the corner, a unicorn Ryui and a black fox Zakuro has come to me and rubbed their heads against me, comforting me.

"Sorry to make you worry. If you just waited for a moment I would have calmed down."

"Nicknames usually don't come so fast, so you should be happy about it. Or maybe you wanted to get a painful one instead?"

"Either of those are beyond my acceptable range though."

I responded like that to Myu's words. 【Nanny】 was a nickname I was given against my will.

There were various reasons, but after the event, that's what people started calling me. The tamed mobs I have gained as comrades during the event were still insufficient as fighting force, but their loveliness characteristic to young animals was very popular.

"Since Onee-chan looks like she's considerably heartbroken, it's about time I perform a tactical retreat. Now then, see you at dinner."

She said so, stroked Ryui and Zakuro who were beside me and left.

While seeing Myu off, I stared at her with a reproachful gaze for severely making fun of me, but I gave it up after two seconds.

"Good grief, there are too many things I can't deal with that it's troubling."

I murmured so, and when I tried to log out, a lively *pon* sounded and a small icon was displayed at the menu's end.

"A friend call, it's from Magi-san."

Accepting the friend call, I started a conversation with Magi-san.

『"Hello, Yun-kun. It's about this time's tea party, will you come?"』

"A tea party? And where is that?"

『"At Lyly's place. Members are the same as the event party's. Us crafters and the young beast partners of ours all together, okay?."』

Hearing the voice from the other side, I could easily imagine her appearance winking lightly.

Although I didn't see her, I made a small smile and responded agreeing to it

"I got it. Its fine to come now?"

『"Nope. It's not now, is it fine if I contact you in a few days? This time it's Lyly and Cloude that are organising it, so I don't know any details either."』

"Is that so. I understand."

『"Now then, let's look forward to the day itself."』

And there, Magi-san's call ended. Now then... I have once again started the log out, and from OSO's world I have returned to the real one.

I was lying down on the bed. I removed the VR gear attached to my head and stretched grandly. So, a tea party with Magi-san and the others huh. While I looked forward to it, I was anxious wondering if they'll make a coming-out with something strange, mainly with Cloude as the culprit. Still, I did look forward to it, I muttered in my mind.

43 thoughts on “Prologue - The Mine and EX-Skill

  1. evergrey

    i thought the reward for the "Punch the guy in the gut" quest was an EX skill that allows a person to personalize an equipment, as magi put it making cat ears.......
    why was Yuns EX skill mining?

    Reply
    1. krytyk Post author

      Maybe it's different for smithing and different for worksmanship? Well, who cares.

      Reply
      1. evergrey

        well if you think about it, it doesnt make sense Yuns sense is Crafting so the making cat ear thing should be his EX skill and Magis is smithing so mining should be more her thing plus if i read it right the NPC dude said this was a Smithing quest although the requirement of it is crafting and smithing....

        Reply
  2. Galen Musbach

    According to Magi's earlier account, the quest reward she remembers from Beta was different than the reward Yun received. This is a reasonable change, since there is no good reason Black Cloud should be relying on a smith to make cat ears for him.

    When I looked at the person; who was taller than me, I felt a little scared, obediently nodded and reimbursed him.
    >When I looked at the person, who was taller than me, I felt a little scared, and I obediently nodded and reimbursed him.

    During the character edition, a correction is applied to balance the body.
    >During character creation, a correction is applied to balance the body.
    This is what character edition means:
    http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20101203064828/gegegenokitaro/images/c/cf/NekoMusume.jpg

    Reply
  3. Volksgeist

    Can someone explain what the EX in an EX skill means?
    and was that explained before? or is that just a normal occurrence in mmos?

    Reply
    1. TheOneAndLonely

      EX probably just means "extra".
      The Senses have things they can do - these are the "skills"
      An EX-skill is a skill that requires something to unlock it in addition to merely having the Sense.

      Reply
  4. Sonoda Yuki

    I wonder if she can pan for gold or use a rockerbox? and would that gold count as currency, or a material?

    Reply
  5. Bareus

    Now it happened... I've started my re-read :D hopefully I didn't fail with the html tags... :

    Although it wasn't long, I finished a tedious quest, then I was recalled the time I received it.
    -> Although it wasn't long, I finished a tedious quest, then I was recalled the time I received it.
    OR Although it wasn't long, I finished a tedious quest and recalled the time I received it.

    The male NPC quest-giver, spoke out a fixed statement initiating the quest.
    -> The male NPC quest-giver, spoke out a fixed statement initiating the quest.

    Including my anger for the unreasonable scolding last time, ...
    -> Including my anger for the unreasonable scolding from [the] last time, ...

    This time, it was all my strength.
    -> This time, it was all my strength.

    I used the self-reinforcement from the 【Enchant】 Sense I had, increasing my physical attack power.
    -> I used the self-reinforcement from the 【Enchant】 Sense I had to increase my physical attack power.

    Moreover, on all the fingers of my right hand I used to punch him I had rings with ATK increase which raised my attack power stat.
    -> Moreover, on all the fingers of my right hand, that I used to punch him, I had rings with ATK increase which [also] raised my attack power stat.

    At this time, I used the accessories I held on my clenched hand like a knuckle, I put into practice the tips to punching I learned from Magi-san.
    -> At that time, I used the accessories I wore on my clenched hand like a knuckle and put into practice the tips for punching[, which] I got from Magi-san.
    ("at this time" is something you would use to address something in the present. I replaced "learned" to "got" because you can't learn a tip, but get one)

    Despite it being the result of my own actions, I have let out a silly voice.
    -> Despite it being the result of my own actions, I had let out a silly voice.

    The punched NPC's body bent into a shape similar to 'く' character; ...
    -> The punched NPC's body bent into a shape similar to a 'く' character; ...

    However, that's merely the entrance 【Smithing】.
    -> However, that's merely the entrance of 【Smithing】.

    ..., go to the nearby mine and collect 100 ore.
    -> ..., go to the nearby mine and collect 100 ores.

    When I looked at the person; who was taller than me, ...
    -> When I looked at the person, who was taller than me, ...

    During the character edition, a correction is applied to balance the body.
    -> During the character modification, a correction is applied to balance the body.
    (I think the discussion, that edition != edit is unnecessary by now... and props to faulcon for the word ^_^)

    "Sorry about that. but as long as you're having fun.
    -> "Sorry about that. But as long as you're having fun.
    OR "Sorry about that, but as long as you're having fun.

    I said so ending my conversation with Myu, and greeted a player who just entered the【Atelier】.
    -> I said so ending my conversation with Myu, and greeted a player who just entered the 【Atelier】.

    After the summer event's camp which happened the other day finished, a few customers have started visiting the 【Atelier】.
    -> After the summer event's camp, which happened the other day finished, a few customers have started visiting the 【Atelier】.
    OR After the summer event's camp, which finished the other day, a few customers have started visiting the 【Atelier】.

    In the store, although it wasn't constant, there was a decent amount of visitors entering and purchasing what they required.
    -> In the store, although it wasn't constant, there was a decent amount of visitors entering and purchasing what they required.

    From time to time, there were players who didn't understand the NPC's, Kyouko-san's explanation and came directly to me for one, in cases like those I explained how to utilize an item by myself.
    -> From time to time, there were players who didn't understand the NPC's, Kyouko-san's, explanation and came directly to me for one. In cases like those I explained how to utilize an item by myself.

    "Um, 【Atelier】 is a store dealing with consumables like potions, what do you think about it selling sandwiches?
    -> "Um, 【Atelier】 is a store dealing with consumables like potions, but what do you think about it selling sandwiches?

    ..., It's about time I perform tactical retreat.
    -> ..., it's about time I perform a tactical retreat.

    "Good grief, there's too many things I can't deal with that it's troubling."
    -> "Good grief, there are too many things I can't deal with that it's troubling."

    Hearing the voice from other side, ...
    -> Hearing the voice from the other side, ...

    Although I didn't see her, I made a small smile and responded agreeing.
    -> Although I didn't see her, I made a small smile and responded affirmatively.
    (don't know why, but "responded agreeing" just ... sounds wrong o.O ...)

    I was lying down on the bed, I removed the VR gear attached to my head and stretched grandly.
    -> I was lying down on the bed, I removed the VR gear attached to my head and stretched grandly.

    Reply
  6. lirg123@

    Yun should have said that she was not satifide with the puching result and ask for another one.

    Reply
  7. Jyu

    omg just noticed that these 4 chapters have been released hadnt seen any updates for it on bakaupdates at all

    Reply
  8. Oddmoonlight

    Meh, Yun went easy on the guy if you ask me. Yun could of equipped rings on the other hand as well and wear 2 bracelets and a amulet and then ehehe...

    Reply
  9. Blank

    Few minor mistakes that I spotted. Thanks for the translation,.

    1. " various things like me " -- various things to me like

    2. " which raised to increase my attack power stat. " -- which raised my Attack stat / which increased my Attack stat (Don't need to include both raised and increase, one or the other is fine)

    3. " his temple as said so " -- as he said so

    4. " politely and with a smile " -- politely with a smile (Don't need the and for this)

    5. " see you at the dinner " -- see you at dinner (don't know where that the came from, but it's not really needed)

    Reply
  10. Amanomurakumo

    edition is the end product after editing. Like a newspaper has a Monday edition, Tuesday edition, etc.
    Or after making further changes you could have second edition, third edition etc.

    Reply
  11. Algoz

    It is just me, or Is there something that is wrong? the Ex-skill learned in that event was supposed to change items, but now It's a mining skill? or the "changing apperance of items" is a skill of the Mining sense?

    Reply
    1. Trainee35

      Mining 100 ores is merely the quest objective. The ability to add extra materials on items to modify looks is the Ex-Skill's effect. The requirement to get the quest is level 25 smithing or craftsmanship since only those two senses deal with ingots.

      Reply
      1. Algoz

        No, like what he said: “Oh, a 【Mining】 EX-Skill and the tool for it, a pickaxe.”
        He gained a skill that only exist in the mining sense (the ability to change items looks, and It is a really strange skill to MINING, don't you think?), or the author changed the reward and he gained a skill that allow him to mine ore, since he gained a tool for the skill, and that tool Is a pickaxe..

        Reply
        1. krytyk Post author

          Mining is an ex-skill for both craftsmanship and smithing. There is no mining sense.

          As for the item appearance change... no idea? Honestly. Will carefully reread and look into it later... but... didn't Yun change item colour right in the vol 1, which would be subject under "changing item's appearance"?

          Reply
          1. Algoz

            The colouring is a skill of craftsmanship, he obtains after making the first ring (the one with 1 DEF), and It only change color of items. The skill I'm talking about Is one that change the apperance of items, like Magi said, she put a skull in a staff to make a "necromancer staff" and bat film into a cape to make a "vampire cape"
            (yes, I remember all of this, in antecipation to the 3rd volume, I've reread the other 2 volumes like 7 times)

          2. krytyk Post author

            Oh, what you're talking about is how engraving works, it allows creating various things from any kind of material, and it's not limited to making accessories, it seems like Magi has applied it to decorate the Lyly's and Cloude's items.

          3. Algoz

            So that Is just the engraving sense, huh. In the novel, It sounds like It was the Ex-skill that you would learn.

          4. krytyk Post author

            Possibly there was a slight change... well, I'm just translating not writing the book.

    1. krytyk Post author

      no, you can't 'during character editor' nor 'designer'. It refers to time of when he was editing his character.

      Reply
      1. faulcon

        Character creation then or perhaps generation. Character edition just makes no sense.

        Reply
        1. krytyk Post author

          The character is based off his own body, the source is a photograph or a body scan. In other words, he cannot 'create' nor 'generate' character, he can only edit the character created based on his own body.

          Now, which one doesn't make sense now?

          Reply
          1. faulcon

            I didn't mean makes no sense in terms of setup but in terms of how the word is used. In English 'edition' doesn't work that way.

            You might think it goes like this:
            Generate -> Generation
            Create -> Creation
            Edit -> Edition

            However one of those weird things about English, edition doesn't relate to edit the same way generation relates to generate. Unlike how creation is the act of creating, edition is not the act of editing.

            Modification might work instead?

  12. tonyorobsky

    Looks like he should have been born as a girl XD XD !! He is cute XD !!!

    Thanks a lot for the translation!!!

    Reply
  13. Trainee35

    “Hello. One 【Nanny】’s smile please.”
    .
    .
    Yun should've sold the smile for a rip-off price.

    Reply
    1. Sonoda Yuki

      The scary thing is that Myu might just cover it for her, just to spite tease Yun.

      Reply
  14. Bareus

    ... and I wasn’t able to receive the quest, after satisfying the conditions it was possible for me to undertake it ...
    -> "but" after the comma

    “Yeah, a man doesn’t on his words.”
    -> shouldn't it be "a man doesn't go down on his words."?

    【Mining】 EX-Skill and a tool for it, pickaxe.”
    -> "a" is missing after the comma

    stroked Ryui and Zakuro who were beside and left.
    -> "beside me"?

    and as always: please doublecheck before copy-pasting ^^

    Reply
  15. Rahman

    not “Yeah, a man doesn’t on his words.”
    but “Yeah, a man doesn’t back on his words.” right ?

    Reply
  16. Nic

    Yun exploded~!

    Cute as she tries to get her revenge from before >.<
    And her blushing from being praised to that extent.

    We might see the birth of Goddess Yun's religion / Idol Yun fan club

    Reply

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