Master Of None

Chapter 3023. Some Sense

”I take it that you are someone who is recording the success and failures of these hybrid mushrooms?” Walker didn’t need to introduce himself that much. It was easy to see from the armors and symbols on the golems that this was one of his bodies.

It also helped that genesis allowed for rumors to travel quickly. Many people already knew of the five golem bodies Walker now had.

Him doing this had inspired quite a few of the golem crafters to dive in to the golem bodies used for the spirit race. That would be something he could focus on later though, he knew that a resurgence in this topic could go very far.

”Yes sir, I am currently recording the toxic spores coming from mushroom attempt thirty nine. It happens to have been an experiment between the thicker skinned mushroom commonly used and a mushroom called the soft spore mushroom. However, it created a toxic spore that clogs the nose and makes it harder to breathe.”

”I noticed the spores, it looks like they have a fire mage arriving to deal with it. That’s a good idea.” Walker examined the area and looked ahead toward even more spores and some other experimental plots that might be made in to homes if there is a success here.

”I am examining the progress for Alma while she is resting. I wanted to see what success you have recorded and what might be risky to the point that we need to halt the experimentation.”

With a quick hop of movement, the researcher, who clearly had a scribe related class, was unrolling different papers and guiding Walker along the testing areas.

”This is number fifty three, it is showing signs of having toxic plume mushrooms, it was an attempt to bring in fire related affinities to make a warmer home. It is already being dealt with due to the fact that it also releases heat that can cause fires.”

”This is number thirty four part two, the first section used an adolescent specimen, this one uses a parasitic species of the same mushroom, but lesser in age and different nutrient base. It grows too quickly can kill the full home which is too hard for a long term living arrangement.”

”This is the most promising experimental mushroom, it was a cross between the thick skin mushroom and the rain cap mushroom. Because of its species mixing, it was able to retain water and allow for the area to be perfectly hydrated for small herbs to grow. The only issue is that it is prone to mold which needs to be adjusted over time. That is the issue that needs adjustment.”

Walker kept walking and listening carefully.

The mushroom grown with both the thick skin mushroom and rain cap mushroom was a substantial size. Easily growing and housing a family of five if grown fully. However, he noticed the cap holding a lot of water and wondered if the mold issue could be handled if there was the right plants or smaller monsters added to it.

”There is an insect monster found in the dungeon related to jungles. I believe it is called a mold eater millipede. They grow larger than other millipedes if they are allowed to and some of the harpy and bat races like to eat them after they are fried. I would recommend they are sold along with instructions on how to care for them. They are not known to produce any illnesses, but that should be tested.”

The scribbled notes produced an immediate reaction. The scribe took the paper and gave it to a researcher nearby.

”Attempt seventy three was to bring in a walking mushroom and use the smaller mushrooms that grow on their bodies. They are somewhat edible but give very little nutrients which could allow for some filling additional food sources. Similar to the young potato crops that do not have enough nutrients yet to be called proper food. But they are good for a traveling snack and to help you feel full when you are waiting for gold payment in travel to a new area.”

This was something many people dealt with in Genesis right now. Some people held off purchasing expensive foods or missed some meals since they wished to purchase a larger home or new tools.

It was not a lack of availability, but the fact that people wished to purchase to push their future forward. It was also a choice that some people made for their longer journeys as adventurers, explorers, and merchants. They could feel full but save their good food stores for when they were about to reach a destination in question.

The foods with less nutrients were also still filling and did their job, but Walker didn’t enjoy that.

’Walking spore skin mushroom

After being crossed with a walking mushroom, the spores associated with it have taken residence and are multiplying within the walls of the thick skin mushroom. This has caused them to develop deformities and eventually will break the outer shell of the mushroom.

As this happens, spores causing new walking mushrooms will blossom in the surrounding area and begin looking for meat and other living things to feed on. The best way to grow them...’

”You will need to burn this one. It is a carrier for the walking mushroom spores and will spread them over the direct area here allowing a few thousand walking mushrooms to hunt this area.” Walker pointed out the cracking skin and also explained that the mushroom in question looked the same and looked successful, but had been a failure in mixing the perceived spores and seed mushrooms.

”You should not be experimenting with the monster mushrooms. They have a tougher mana to handle and will create more monsters. But I understand why it was done. However, I do know that this was an order from Gil and Alma. do not use monsters.’ His words fell heavily on the scribe and several of the researchers, herbalists, and mushroom farmers tried to move away.

They didn’t have the chance though, a single movement of Walker’s foot stopped them. The earth moved to hold their own feet in place and Walker moved ahead finding several bodies of walking monsters.

”Even if you wish to impress the leaders of your people and the directors of your projects, you can not risk the people around you. Everyone here is now on punishment. Your pay will be withheld for a week and there will be a series of guards placed here to ensure you follow orders and can be trusted with the safety of the people.”

His calm words shook all of them and the sudden arrival of guards made them all understand that despite their successes, they needed to keep hold on the safety of everyone over everything else.

However, Walker did keep their research in mind and was sure that it had some value elsewhere.

They had unwittingly found out that the walking mushrooms could multiply by using other non living mushrooms. It meant that in the cave systems these mushrooms could appear. Not just the forest or dungeons, but they could find ways to survive within the caves easily without needing to grow in the same ways that they normally did.

He also spotted a mushroom farmer that was actively creating a sandy gravel filled hole planting small balls of what appeared to be mushroom spores.

”You seem like you are unaffected by what I just said.” Walker was not accusing, just stating a fact.

The demi-human mushroom farmer was holding several tools on their waist belt and had a single small thin shovel for opening holes in the sandy and rocky soil he placed down. The traits of a mole were clear, but it was only around his nose and face.

”You don’t bother me much. I have mushrooms to grow. Homes or food don’t matter much either. I have solutions for their dumb moves and so do you. These beauties will keep the spores down and we can use them to keep those walking pests out of my fields.”

The man gestured to the homes. Walker looked at the spore balls being planted and realized it was a mushroom species that ate other mushroom species’ spores.

’Spore trap is the solution. Their caps are sticky and attract other mushroom spores. In a forest they are a pain since they kill all those nice yellow cap mushrooms people like to eat. Down here they will clean the air up really nice. It’s not much, just a bit of knowing about a lot more.”

The way he spoke was a bit odd but Walker understood that this man had been overlooked and was already making solutions to other people’s foolishness. All he’d had to do was look for the man still working despite the minor drama all around him.

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Repent now and go here,

Drop those golden tickets!