A Gatherer's Adventure in Isekai (素材採取家の異世界旅行記)

[keyboard clacking, phone ringing]

Another day down.

Same old desk job, same old trip home.

And I thought an ordinary life was supposed to be comforting.

Huh?

Boy, was I wrong.

I need something different,

or else I'm gonna lose my mind.

Just something out of the ordinary.

Hey, there.

Uh, who are you?

I'm the one who oversees the entire solar system.

You're an alien?

Mm, think of me more as middle management

for the universe.

Yeah, more like a god than an alien, really.

Oh, pretty down to earth for a god.

Anyway.

This planet is called "Madeus."

And they just can't seem to get it together.

I keep continuing to modify it,

but civilizations continue to collapse.

So I've had to step in.

Mm?

I hereby release a singular bead.

A ripple can sometimes swell into a wave large enough

to change the entire world.

And you will become that bead, Takeru.

I think I wanna go back to my world.

You've passed away, so it's too late.

And your soul will simply fade if you don't go to Madeus.

Huh?

How can you just drop that on me so casually?

There's no need to worry.

I won't send you there empty-handed.

I'll grant you every gift you desire--

or special ability, if you will.

Hold on.

Could you explain what that means exactly?

Well, let's see here.

How about the ability to use magic?

Wait, magic?

Great magical potential, done.

Is there anything else you want?

Huh?

Hmm.

A super cute partner!

Yes, consider it done.

You'll meet her soon enough.

Also, materials can be sold for money.

How about I boost your scouting skills, too?

And I'll provide you with a bag that can

store everything you collect.

Wow, this seems like a lot.

Fluency in the world's language

and various resistances.

Uh, what the--

Hey!

What's happening?

Well, it looks like it's almost done.

Uh, I think I gave you everything you

might need on your journey.

Oh, perhaps, I gave you a bit too much.

Oh.

So that's your partner, is it?

Eh, it should be fine.

- Hey, wait! - Well, whatever.

What does that mean?

Is there a problem? - You'll be fine.

Hey! - Yes, I'm sure you'll be fine.

No!

Why did you say that twice?

I've got a really bad feeling about this!

Huh?

What am I supposed to do now?

Guess I should try to find the nearest village.

Huh?

That didn't take long at all!

But if I show up there without any money,

I won't be able to get so much as a meal.

Also, materials can be sold for money.

So how about I boost your scouting skills, too?

Scouting magic activate!

Seriously?

Why is nothing happening?

What could be the problem here?

Am I saying it wrong?

Scouting?

Looking?

I don't know.

Search maybe?

Oh?

Oh!

What luck!

I've already found materials.

So the magic activates when I say the right word?

Then maybe I can say something else to look

into things in more detail.

Check, investigate, scan.

MOONLIT HERBA FLOWER THAT SPROUTS UNDER THE CRESCENT MOON.

It worked!

This magic is awesome.

I've gathered my first material, and it's rank B.

I guess I should collect everything

that's glowing to start with.

AKANE MUSHROOM - ELEMENTAL MUSHROOM - EPRARA LEAF

All right. That should be good for now.

But everything here is mostly low rank.

Oh?

ELEMENTAL MUSHROOM - EPRARA LEAF

It's a stone.

It looks valuable.

This baby could get me a lot of money.

Now, scan!

HAMMER ANTEATER DROPPINGS

I'm holding poop?

And why is it high-ranking?

Well, I think I've figured this thing out.

So certain materials that can be traded have different icons.

And I can track them down using my scouting magic.

Yeah, that's simple enough.

Anyway, I've collected a decent haul.

I wonder how much money I can get for all these materials.

Better head to the village before it gets too dark.

Huh?

A traveler, eh?

Kind of.

My name is Takeru.

You're awfully tall.

Are you a warrior or a swordsman?

I'm afraid not.

I'm just here to sell some materials.

A material gathering specialist.

That's quite a rare sight.

My name's Marlow.

I'm a squad member of the Tormi Village Watch.

We don't have a dedicated material shop,

but there's a general store.

Maybe you should try there.

Thanks for your help, Marlow.

Hello, everybody.

This must be it.

Good afternoon.

Hello, stranger.

Huh?

I've never seen you before.

You're looking for something?

Well, no.

Actually, I'm looking to sell.

Hmm?

Ooh.

Oh! Could those be hammer anteater droppings?

Great shape and strength,

and even the color is exceptional!

This is an extremely rare item, and I'd love to buy it!

How about five silver coins?

I don't really know the going rate.

How much is a night at the inns here?

That'd come to 500 Rave per night.

And of course, one silver coin equals 1,000 Rave.

So if a night at the inn should cost 5,000 yen...

This poop's worth 50,000?

Hey, are you even listening to me?

No, sorry.

Yeah, that deal works for me.

Good call!

It's been a pleasure doing

business with you, young man.

Has he forgotten that's a piece of poop

he's rubbing on his cheek?

If you've got more valuables,

please show me everything.

Whoa!

You've gathered all these materials yourself?

That's incredible!

But why would you bring them out to a backwater like this?