Several brawny laborers shouted in rhythm as they heaved massive stones, stacking them high into an ever-rising city wall.
Nearby, robed mages wielded specialized carving tools, meticulously engraving complex runes onto the finished sections, imbuing them with layers of strengthening and defensive enchantments.
Though called “laborers,” those capable of hauling such heavy stone blocks were at least copper-ranked warriors. Their pay was naturally considerable.
The wall under construction was still far from the current residential district.
This was based on optimistic forecasts of future population growth—the city’s planned scale would far surpass its present needs.
In this world, city walls reinforced by large-scale composite magic arrays were indispensable bastions of defense.
So long as resources and mana supply were sufficient, such walls could rival even the famed “High Fortress” of Duke Alamar on the front lines, a citadel capable of withstanding full assaults by demon legions.
Of course, Mushroom Town’s walls emphasized different priorities.
Rather than absolute defensive strength, the inscribed runes focused on detection, early warning, and anti-stealth enchantments. Their primary purpose was to counter infiltration and sabotage by demon spies.
The lesson of ruined crops from past sabotage remained fresh in memory. Fahl would not allow the mushroom fields to suffer the same fate.Not far away, Fahl stood with hands behind his back, gazing at the wall’s progress while listening to a report on weekly mushroom exports and profits.
Since the unique value of mushrooms had been discovered, nearby regions—even the capital—had tried to collect spores for independent cultivation.
Yet no matter the method, the transplanted spores either failed to survive or languished weakly, unable to yield proper mushrooms.
Some suspected this had to do with the spores’ link to the local Mycelium Carpet and the Dungeon itself.
In the end, everyone was forced to rely on Mushroom Town’s steady output to fill the massive shortage in both military rations and civilian food supply.
After repeated failures, the capital’s strategy became straightforward: continuously urge Mushroom Town to expand cultivation while monopolizing nearly all surplus output, treating mushrooms as a vital strategic resource shipped endlessly to the front lines.
The rewards, in turn, were generous.
Stone, magical materials, skilled mages, artisans, and other supplies urgently needed in Mushroom Town were being provided lavishly by the nobles.
But Fahl saw further. At present, Mushroom Town’s economic lifeline was wholly tied to mushroom exports—too narrow and too fragile.
He longed for the day this wall would be completed. Once Mushroom Town rose to Mushroom City, he could rightfully establish full administration and taxation, diversifying the economy.
“Guildmaster! Guildmaster!” A hurried voice broke in. Mirabelle came running.
“You must return to the Guild at once! The Dungeon… there’s been another development!”
…
The Guild hall was packed. Adventurers crowded outside a room, whispering, gossip heavy in the air.
Inside, Lambert sat silently in a corner.
Nearby, Guild staff operated a complex device inlaid with mana crystals. Runes glowed across its surface, projecting precise readings of his body’s condition.
The machine worked like a scouting spell, but far more detailed—capable of measuring exact skill levels and physical states.
Due to its cost and cumbersome setup, it was usually only used when an adventurer paid to assess their abilities in detail.
Having discovered that his body was “moldy,” Lambert had rushed straight here after leaving the Dungeon.
Though he currently felt fine aside from the unsightly growths, who knew what hidden dangers might lurk in things that had embedded themselves into his flesh?
By the time Fahl arrived, the report had already been generated, though not yet given to Lambert.
“Guildmaster, it’s parasitic!” Mirabelle hurried forward with the report.
“What kind? A monster? Or some curse-born offshoot?” Fahl scanned quickly.
“The type isn’t clear. Could even be some new kind of skill. According to his account, when he was near death, a Puji approached him. Our test confirms it: the growths inside and on his body are fungal hyphae.”
Fahl’s face darkened immediately.
A parasite alone wouldn’t normally demand his presence.
But Pujis… If this connected to the Mycelium Carpet and the mushrooms, any mishap would be catastrophic.
“And the symptoms?” Fahl pressed.
Mirabelle checked the report carefully.
“The hyphae appear to have repaired his severe battle wounds. Also, he now shows a mild tendency toward mana craving.”
Fahl nodded. A parasite healing its host to sustain itself was logical. Mana consumption to maintain activity was also understandable.
“And?”
“That’s all.”
“What? No harm?” This clashed with his understanding of parasites.
“The subject’s mind is clear, he passed all mental evaluations, no signs of drained vitality. The hyphae haven’t interfered with his bodily functions. In short… apart from visible traces, there’s no negative effect at present.”
“?!”
“Guildmaster, how should we proceed?”
Hands behind his back, Fahl paced briskly before halting. His words came rapid-fire:
“Assign personnel to monitor him continuously. Require regular checkups, all expenses paid by the Guild. For now, do not include this in reports to Headquarters. To others, guide suspicion toward ‘effects of abnormal magic circles’—avoid linking this too closely to Pujis!”
“Yes, Guildmaster, but…” Mirabelle hesitated.
Fahl stared at her for a long moment before speaking gravely:
“Mirabelle, Mushroom Town—no, the entire United Kingdom—cannot afford to lose mushrooms. This parasitism shows no clear harm. We must prevent needless panic toward mushrooms and Pujis! The front lines already hang by a thread. If mushroom supply falters, the problem will be far worse than one or two infected adventurers.”
He paused, then added sternly:
“Of course, investigation into the parasite itself must never slacken. Any new findings—report directly to me at once, no matter the time.”
Mirabelle nodded solemnly, then personally went to speak with the anxious Lambert. With the persuasive power of gold coins, they quickly reached an agreement.
Yet before dawn the next day, urgent knocking dragged Fahl from bed.
At the door stood Mirabelle, looking unsettled.
“Guildmaster! That parasitized adventurer… he, he just adopted two Puji pets!”
“…What?”