Chapter 255

With Cardina's changes thoroughly examined and their stomachs, bloated from the meal, mostly settled, Tatsuro spoke up.

"So, what's next? Right now, Leah's been in hiding for about six months by this world's calendar. That's not long enough to assume it's safe, but with Curse Magic to disguise her and Jeanne's Cloud Camouflage Fur, we could leave this country even in broad daylight without drawing much attention. So, I'm thinking we should head out soon to check the situation."

"There's nothing left to do here, right?"

"Exactly. Plus, I've gained plenty of self-defense skills, so I'm confident I can fend off minor threats now."

Leah, who was Level 1 just a few months ago, was now Level 81.

In a world where reaching Level 50 made you a powerhouse, she far exceeded that.

Even as a non-combat class, she could likely scatter dozens of foes barehanded.

With her crafted equipment, only top-tier powerhouses could hope to defeat her.

And at least while in this country, they had no intention of leaving her alone.

With Tatsuro or others by her side, they felt confident against any opponent.

Thus, they settled on leaving the dungeon to scout the town.

"But if we pop out and it looks troublesome, I'm planning to flee to another country. So, I want to prepare a box for air travel."

"A box? Aren't we riding on Jeanne-chan's back? We went through all that trouble to get the fur for that."

"Neigh?"

Jeanne tilted her head adorably, as if saying, "That's not it?"

Tatsuro smiled at her and nodded.

"I do plan to ride on Jeanne's back. But don't you think we should make it comfortable?"

"True. Tatsuro-san and Ai-san seem resistant thanks to their titles, but for me, high altitudes would be cold."

"Yeah… And sitting on her back for hours isn't exactly ideal."

Jeanne's back was, needless to say, harder than rock and bumpy, far from comfortable.

Ai realized long flights in that state would be surprisingly tough.

"So, I'm thinking of making a shoulder-mounted box with a spacious interior like a rhinoceros carriage, so we can zip to any country."

"Shoulder-mounted, huh. Well, a big box strapped to her belly would get in Jeanne-chan's way."

"Exactly. So, I'd like Leah to process the Geshmagmin into the most suitable shape for a room to be carried while flying."

"Got it. I'll do it. How much material?"

"We've got plenty of duplication points, so use whatever amount works best."

"Then, can I measure Jeanne-san first?

A perfect fit would make it easier for her to move."

"Neigh!"

"Sounds good," Jeanne agreed, eagerly shifting to [True Form].

Tatsuro and Cardina helped as Leah gave precise instructions, measuring specific spots and using Earth Magic to mold Jeanne's back.

Once they finished measuring every scale on Jeanne's back with precision, Tatsuro provided all the Geshmagmin, including what they'd obtained from the treasury.

"Here's everything except the largest chunk saved for duplication. If it's not enough, let me know, and I'll make more."

"Hmm. Alright, and--"

Tatsuro also provided other materials Leah deemed necessary.

After roughly estimating the materials, since no monsters appeared, they set up a house and gathered in the living room.

Seated around a large round table, Leah meticulously drafted blueprints while incorporating everyone's ideas on shape and design.

Her hands moved fluidly, leaving everyone wide-eyed with admiration.

"Amazing, Leah-chan. It's like your ideas are turning into reality -- pure magic!"

"Is it? I've drawn tons of blueprints before, so I guess I got better naturally."

"No way. This is straight-up talent."

To untrained eyes, the designs were exceptional, beyond what mere practice could achieve.

Still unused to such praise, Leah blushed but pretended not to care, moving her hands faster.

"Balancing everyone's input while ensuring it doesn't hinder Jeanne-san's flight -- something like this, maybe?"

"Nice! It's pretty big, though. Jeanne, you cool with it?"

"Neigh!"

As if saying, "Leave it to me!" Jeanne, in her small form, sat on a chair and flapped her front legs.

"Jeanne-san can handle some weight, but this should be lighter than it looks, so no worries."

"Then we're set!"

"What's first?"

"Processing the Geshmagmin. That's the core of everything this time."

"Let's get to it. Leah, don't hesitate to assign tasks and delegate."

"Got it. Tatsuro-san, could you--"

Since this was a major project, they began crafting the flight palanquin under Leah's direction, with everyone pitching in.

They used magic, manual labor, and golems from the treasury, steadily making progress.

The palanquin covered Jeanne's back from neck to tail base, making it quite large.

Leah, perhaps a perfectionist, spared no effort on aesthetics or interiors, choosing optimal processing methods for each part.

As a result, construction took far longer than expected. While updating Jeanne and the others' body levels with [Magic Domain Transcendence] during spare moments, they ended up staying in the boss room for nearly thirty days.

Yet, no one complained.

As time passed and the palanquin took shape, they could imagine its completed form and felt driven to avoid making something half-baked.

By day ten, everyone had awakened their inner craftsman.

Now, they all watched as Leah put the final touch, attaching the entrance door.

"Done! Great work, everyone!"

"Good job!"

"Nice work!"

"Peewee!"

"Neigh!"

"Well done!"

"Great job!"

Joining the line of Tatsuro and the others, Leah gazed proudly at the completed palanquin.

Its sleek, black-based, streamlined body was designed to minimize air resistance without Wind Magic, ensuring no burden on Jeanne.

Intricate patterns adorned it, accented with gold and gems—elegant yet not gaudy.

"Let's check inside."

"Sweet!"

With Ai's energetic voice, they nudged a hesitant Leah forward, opened the door, and all stepped inside.

They'd helped with the interior, so they knew what to expect.

Still, the realization that they'd built it themselves was deeply moving.

"So comfy!"

"Neigh!"

Nana and [Child Form] Jeanne scampered in, flopping onto reclining seats.

The entry area, designed for takeoff and sleep, had large, evenly spaced seats like those in an airplane's first class.

The seats used monster fur and leather from the treasury—unsuitable for weapons or armor, but perfect for furniture.

They included seatbelts for turbulent or vertical flights.

Sturdy round windows allowed views of the outside scenery.

Passing the seating area, they opened a door near where Jeanne's neck would be.

A large front window offered a panoramic view.

Called glass for convenience, it was made from processed dragon eye crystals.

A small hatch in the floor allowed Tatsuro to touch Jeanne for magic recharging, even if he couldn't go outside.

Other features included a voice tube with volume control, enabling communication with Jeanne outside, the central seating area, the open-space room, and the rear shower and toilet rooms.

The space wasn't vast, so only essential chairs and tables were included, giving the impression of a small room with an escape door.

All rooms had magic devices, inspired by bed heaters, powered by Return Stone for climate control, ensuring comfort regardless of weather.

"With all this, I feel bad for Jeanne, who'll be working hard outside."

"Neigh. Neigh, Neigh."

"She loves flying with everyone, so don't worry. That's what she says."

"Hmm, thanks, Jeanne-chan!"

"Neigh ♪"

Hugged and petted by an emotional Ai, Jeanne chirped happily.

Tatsuro gently patted her head, expressing gratitude.

After checking the rear room's toilet and shower, they stepped outside.

Now, they'd test how it felt for Jeanne to carry.

First, Jeanne lifted the palanquin, setting it on the ground hardened with Earth Magic.

Far lighter than it looked, Jeanne easily hoisted it, revealing shoulder straps dangling like a backpack.

At first glance, they seemed too tight for True Form Jeanne to fit.

But--

"Neigh."

Jeanne pulled, and they stretched like rubber, easily slipping over her shoulders.

"How's it feel?"

"Neigh! Neigh - Neigh!"

"Soft and comfy, she says."

"Good to know."

Though confident, Leah had been nervous as it was her first time crafting this. Seeing Jeanne energetically turning and crouching to check for slippage, she sighed in relief.

"It almost looks like a shell, but also like a cute backpack."

"Neigh ♪"

At Tatsuro's comment, Jeanne happily tugged the straps, striking a pose like a child showing off a new schoolbag.

"Haha, so cute! Face this way—I'll take a pic!"

"Neigh!"

"Oh, me too!"

Tatsuro and Ai pulled out their smartphones, snapping photos of Jeanne posing.

The palanquin's shoulder straps, processed to maximize Geshmagmin's elasticity, could stretch far beyond appearances.

The surface used low-rebound Geshmagmin, processed to cling to the shoulders, supporting gently without digging in.

Though Jeanne's tough skin wouldn't be bothered, they designed it for comfort.

The back used low-rebound Geshmagmin with varying hardness for an optimal fit, preventing slippage and cushioning flexibility.

The second layer had Geshmagmin hard plates for shock absorption, and the third, equivalent to the interior floor, was balanced for comfort.

The second layer excelled at shock reduction, with the first and third layers contributing, surpassing standard suspensions.

The exterior was a hardened Geshmagmin alloy, resistant to heat, cold, and impact.

Durable enough to withstand most magic or physical attacks, it was designed to handle assaults from airborne monsters.

This palanquin, combining elegance and robustness, could be mistaken for a royal transport.

After taking Jeanne's photos and a group shot, Tatsuro and Ai helped prepare a lavish feast to celebrate "Dungeon Conquest & Palanquin Completion."

"""""Cheers!"""""

"Peewee!"

"Neigh!"

With that, the time to part with this long-stayed land drew near.