"Celestial Carpenter Seres Carpenter" was the highest-rank version of the Carpenter job.
The skills themselves were not vastly different, but buildings constructed by them were said to house mysterious powers.
There was even a rule that only Celestial Carpenters were allowed to build "cathedrals" and "temples" dedicated to the gods.
Not only did the job require exceptional carpentry skill, but it also demanded a high Divine Power parameter, making it an elite position even among production jobs.
Being able to change into this job was quite an achievement.
However, after thinking about it for a while, I simply flopped onto the bed in my room.
"But right now, I don't really have any use for it…
I don't believe in gods that much, so even if I rebuilt this base into a temple, it wouldn't mean anything…"
Normally I would immediately try out a new job as soon as I got one, but for some reason I just could not get motivated for Celestial Carpenter.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
After that, the residential district of my classmates developed rapidly.
Until recently they could not even clear the rubble properly, but now wooden houses fitting for a pioneer settlement were being built one after another.
The reason was that a "school store" had opened at the academy.
It was a facility where various goods could be exchanged for tickets, and the vice-principal acted as the store manager, running the shop.
"Yes! Welcome!
How about a 'Level-Up Potion' that will raise your level the moment you drink it!?
It can raise your level by up to 5!
Today is the grand opening sale, so each one is 2,000,000 Ender!"
The featured product, the Level-Up Potion, was bought by many students and sold out on the first day.
"Then here is the next featured item!
'Rubble Removal' by professional workers who will clear the rubble in no time is 3,000,000 Ender!
Likewise, 'House Construction' done by professionals is 7,000,000 Ender!"
Surprisingly, some products even allowed summoning outside contractors.
Although the prices were quite exorbitant, as long as you paid with tickets, you could have professionals do everything without dirtying your own hands.
Classes that had plenty of tickets immediately jumped at the offer and purchased the "Rubble Removal" and "House Construction" package together.
Lower-ranked classes could not afford them because their tickets had low face values.
Their plots remained buried under rubble as before.
As a result, the residential district turned into a land with a massive gap between rich and poor.
Around that time, Monaka and Kotone came to visit my house.
Kotone spoke to me with an urgent expression.
"Um, Master… It is very difficult for me to ask this, but…"
"What is it? Just say it."
"I would like you to build a house for my class…"
According to her, Kotone's class had been staying at Monaka's house ever since the disaster.
"Le-kun. I didn't mind at all that Kotone-san's class was living with us.
But then the vice-principal came…"
"No! Kotone-san's class should start living on their own plot soon!
Otherwise it will set a bad example for the other students!
A student of Kotone-san's caliber needs a splendid house!
But do not worry! I have thought of everything!"
The vice-principal had said that and brought professional Celestial Carpenters before Kotone could refuse.
"Yes! Leave it to these skilled carpenters and they will build a magnificent house worthy of the shrine maiden Kotone-san!
Now now, hand over the tickets!"
Remembering that moment, Kotone clenched her fists tightly and said to me,
"I want to offer all of my tickets to you, Master…"
"I see. So that's why you came to ask me to build the house.
You should have told me sooner about something like this."
"Eh?"
"You came to me so formally that I wondered what it was…
If it's crafting, I'll do it even if you don't ask."
The two girls then took each other's hands and cried out happily, ""Waaah!""
"I'm so glad, Kotone-san!" "Yes, thank you very much!"
"All right, let's get started then.
Before that, I need to transport the building materials, so can you lend me some help?"
While Monaka and Kotone gathered helpers, I went into the forest.
To build something that would not lose to the house I had made for Monaka, I selected and cut down the finest trees.
I also picked some flowers that might be useful for this crafting project.
--------------------------------------------------
Large Kinohi Timber
Quantity: 100
Quality Level: 24 (Material Level 8 + Dexterity Bonus 5 + Job Bonus 11)
Beautifully glossy white timber.
Thanks to the various bonuses, it is highly resistant to moisture, and its scent has a relaxing effect that inspires devout feelings.
--------------------------------------------------
Hanezu Flowers
Quantity: 20
Quality Level: 16 (Material Level 2 + Dexterity Bonus 5 + Job Bonus 9)
Beautiful vermilion flowers. Highly fragrant and calming.
--------------------------------------------------
I loaded the gathered materials onto the cart, then added the "Gisu Planters" that were sitting in the garden.
Together with Tomoe, one of Kotone's strong attendants, I transported everything to the residential district.
At the plot of Class 1-19, where Kotone served as leader, the vice-principal was present, and several Celestial Carpenters had already begun working.
The vice-principal sneered at the protesting Kotone.
"Muhohohoho! What exactly do you plan to do by bringing along an unemployed student like that!?"
"I wanted Master to build a house for us! Please stop the work immediately…!"
"No! Then do as you please!
However, if it turns out shabbier than what the Celestial Carpenters build, I will have it demolished on the spot!"
I paid no attention to their exchange and began marking lines on the empty space of the plot to start foundation work.
Then even the Celestial Carpenters started picking a fight.
"Hey kid, what do you think you're doing!?"
"You're not seriously planning to build a house for Kotone-sama yourself, are you!?"
"Listen up, kid! We Celestial Carpenters aren't just ordinary carpenters!
Do you even understand what it means to build another house right next to ours!?"
"It's called a 'Heavenly Judgment Match'—a deadly serious contest where the gods in heaven deliver judgment!
Look at the sky! It was clear just a moment ago, but now it's suddenly clouding over!"
"This means the Heavenly Judgment Match has begun!
The losing side's house and craftsmen will be struck by lightning!"
"Against a complete amateur like you, the outcome is obvious!
Stop before you get burned to a crisp and go home!"
I was focused on my work, so I barely heard what they were saying.
When I replied with "Hm? Did you say something?" they somehow had their hair standing on end.
"You… you bastard, you're messing with us! Picking a fight with us professional carpenters—Celestial Carpenters no less!"
"Not only that, you're completely underestimating us by trying to compete against us all by yourself!"
"Looks like you don't value your life! Boys, no need to hold back! Let's show this brat what real professional work looks like!"
"Ooooh!" The craftsmen resumed construction with great vigor.
As I watched their backs, I muttered to myself,
"I don't really understand what they're talking about, but it's good that they're motivated.
Crafting is more fun and turns out better when you put your all into it."