Chapter 73

The purchase of items itself was at a level where even the excess materials would be more than enough to cover the change.

However, that was not the main point this time. For us, and for Fino as well, what was important was the creation of new equipment using these materials.

The items that are already planned to be created are listed in the Secretary's list, but it's not yet decided what kind of equipment they will become.

We can't start until these materials are purchased by the 'Eleanor Guild.'

"Materials from the upper species of Legion Ants, and formic acid ore..."

"They are items that can't be obtained without reaching the Legion Ants' nest, right?"

"Is this your first time seeing them?"

"Yeah, so far, we've only received reports of retreats or total annihilation when facing the Legion Ant swarms. There's probably no monster that fits the phrase 'violence of numbers' better than them."

Sighing, Kanbei's words made me nod in agreement.

Indeed, without Shepherd, we had been retreating.

They are undoubtedly troublesome enemies, a fact that cannot be denied.

"...Anyway, the possibility that these items are the only ones available right now is very high."

"Actually, I think it's certain. If there were any, they would likely have been brought to the 'Eleanor Guild.'"

"There is a possibility that they have been brought to a craftsman not affiliated with the guild, but... I think the probability of that is low."

I silently agreed with the words of the three guild members.

The information network that Eleanor has built is not for show. Considering the difficulty of obtaining these items, it's unlikely that other players possess them.

It would be a significant advantage, but... to be honest, if we were asked to do it again without Shepherd, I would hesitate.

Dealing with them is exhausting, and there are too many of them, making it quite troublesome.

"...I've never seen special effects attached to the ore itself. I've heard about it, but..."

"Is it something you learned from a production quest master? I've heard similar stories too."

"Yeah, about elemental metals. What about you?"

"Attribute embroidery. Well, I can't handle it yet..."

We were discussing various intriguing topics, but it seemed that there was nothing we could do about them immediately.

For now, what we needed to consider was the upcoming event.

Thinking about impossible technologies wouldn't help us now.

"So, how about it? Can you handle it?"

"Hmm... formic acid ore, I might need some practice, but I don't think it's impossible to process. I won't know how it turns out until I try."

Fino said this while looking at the pile of formic acid ore.

It seemed that creating weapons from this material was not impossible, but it wouldn't be easy.

"Hmm... Hime-chan brought about the same amount, right? If we use all of it, I think we can secure weapons for all three of us."

"Alright, then there's no problem. Futo, are you okay with that?"

"Yes, it's fine. We don't have any use for extra ore anyway."

"If you're short, I can provide mine. I hardly use metal equipment."

"No, you might need it for taming other monsters in the future. Keep it."

Shepherd had gone through a lot to obtain this ore.

It wouldn't be right to provide it to us.

In any case, it seemed that we had a plan for the formic acid ore. Then, the remaining issue was—

"This is the problem... Queen Ant materials."

"I thought they would be there since they're ants, but I didn't expect you to bring them down."

"Fino, I think you can process the carapace, but... is it okay?"

"Hmm... just the carapace, I can manage. The rest might be a bit difficult... I'd like to make a sword from these wings, but it's a bit beyond my current capabilities."

Fino's words, said with a slightly disappointed frown, made me narrow my eyes slightly.

She is the top blacksmith in the 'Eleanor Guild.'

If even she can't handle it, it means it's currently useless.

I thought it might be fine to sell it, but considering the other inventory, the amount would be too high.

"...Fino, can you process the carapace into gauntlets and greaves?"

"I think I can... no, I'll show you. And I want to add some armor to the cloak."

"Yes, that's why I didn't bring out the cloak yet. I'll show you the best version."

"Understood, I'm looking forward to it. As for the other Queen Ant materials, we'll keep them."

"...Please do. To be honest, it's getting difficult to offset the costs."

Kanbei sighed, and I chuckled.

The costs were too high, and it was difficult to offset them with miscellaneous items.

Increasing the number of potions might help, but they are in short supply due to their high quality.

To be honest, I don't use HP potions much. They recover automatically, and if they run out, I can use the 'Sword of Seizure' to recover.

That's why I've been getting more MP potions, but I'm starting to have more than I can use.

I've been getting by without potions so far, and I'll only use them as a last resort in prolonged battles.

"...Anyway, let's make the equipment. Hehehe."

"Sounds fun, Fino?"

"It's challenging, but my arm is itching. New materials are always exciting."

Well, it seems she's enjoying it, so there shouldn't be any problem.

I think I'm putting her through a bit of a rush by asking her to finish by tomorrow, but seeing her like this makes me feel a bit more relaxed.

If she's like this, there's no need to worry too much.

Thinking this, I nodded slightly, and Iori clapped her hands.

"The discussion is settled. I'll take her measurements now."

"Ah, right, I didn't have her data yet. I'll take care of the remaining settlement, so do it while I'm doing that."

"Yes, thank you."

It seems Iori intends to take Lumin's measurements here.

Indeed, if we're making custom equipment, that's necessary.

This is the first time Lumin will have equipment made for her current form.

Well, that means I'll be idle for a while. It will take some time for Futo and Shepherd to finish the accounting, and I can't leave immediately.

I watched them absentmindedly—then, Fino suddenly spoke to me from beside me.

"Hey, teacher."

"Hmm, what is it, Fino?"

When I turned to look, Fino was looking up at me with her usual sleepy expression.

However, despite her lax appearance, there was a clear determination in her eyes.

It seemed this wasn't just casual conversation. I turned to face her again.

"Teacher, do you use two swords?"

"Hmm? Not the katana and wakizashi...?"

"This time, two katanas. I can understand using a katana and wakizashi, but... even though they have different performances, are you using two katanas?"

"...Hmm."

Well, from the perspective of the maker, it's a natural question.

This time, in addition to the white steel series, we've also ordered weapons made from formic acid ore.

However, a katana is a large weapon and not suitable for dual-wielding.

It would be a waste if only one of the weapons we made was used.

However, I don't intend to waste them. I smiled lightly and replied.

"Yeah. About six years ago, I went into battle with just one sword and had a terrible experience."

"Six years? Wait, you're not talking about the game, right?"

"No, in real life. I was caught in a melee at a place I was taken to by an old man... I managed to use the katana, but it had its limits. That's why I always carried a wakizashi, and in places where a long battle was expected, I carried multiple katanas."

"Wow..."

In battle situations where I couldn't return for a month, I carried up to four katanas.

At first, it was quite heavy, but I got used to it and could move normally after a while.

The old man, on the other hand, always carried just one—his famous sword that I envied.

I think I can do something similar now, but... I still can't manage with just one sword without that level of sword.

"This is a large-scale battle. There will be many enemies to cut down. In such situations, I carry multiple main weapons."

"...To that extent?"

"During this level-up, my swords were heavily worn out. Carrying multiple weapons is a good idea."

Well, the durability of the katana was significantly reduced by the Queen Ant.

However, there's no guarantee that we won't face enemies with similar abilities.

Having replaceable weapons is good for emergencies.

Fino seemed to understand my explanation and nodded with her usual sleepy expression.

"Hmm... I see. If it's you, teacher, you can handle it and won't waste them."

"I can assure you of that. I'll use them properly."

"Okay, I'll leave it to you."

Nodding at Fino's words, I approached the new equipment on the table.

Whether it's a weapon or armor, it's all about protecting one's life.

I will use them to the fullest and eliminate all the enemies that come my way.

—Yes, nothing has changed from those days.

"...Kanbei, can I take the completed items now?"

"Sure, no problem. I've included the repair costs, so leave the equipment you've removed."

Nodding at his words, I picked up my equipment and changed it in the equipment menu.

There wasn't much visible change, but I could feel it was slightly heavier.

However, it wasn't to the point where it would hinder my movement. With a bit of practice, I could adjust it.

"Hmm... it's a good time, so I'll get used to it tomorrow."

I have a meeting with Altrius, so I won't have much time for serious training.

However, I won't spend all my time on that, and a bit of practice should be fine.

While checking the weight of the equipment and planning my schedule for the next day, the voices of Futo and the others started to buzz.

It seemed the negotiations were over.

"Teacher, I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

"Father, I'm done too."

"Alright. For now, take the equipment you have."

Futo and Lumin reached for their equipment with smiles.

Lumin, who only had that, and Futo, who reached for the katana before the armor, seemed to be true to the Kugutsu Shinto-ryu.

Smiling at their behavior, I called out to Shepherd, who was approaching.

"Well, we're logging out soon... What about you, Shepherd?"

"Since it's a good opportunity, I'll order some equipment. It's rare to have a chance to talk directly to top craftsmen."

"Got it. Then, we'll end it here."

Smiling, I said this, and Shepherd also smiled and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Kwon. I appreciate all your help."

"Sure, I benefited too. Without your 'Cursed Song,' Lumin wouldn't have evolved yet."

This is a fact. Thanks to Shepherd's 'Cursed Song,' we were able to efficiently defeat enemies.

Without him, we might not have been able to clear the ant nest.

Lumin's evolution was undoubtedly his achievement.

"Let's fight together again if we have the chance. See you."

"Thank you, Shepherd."

"Thanks. Please tell Sylph too."

"Ahaha... Thank you. See you."

We bowed to Shepherd and Fino and the others, and left the 'Eleanor Guild.'

We then ended our game for the day.

■Avatar Name: Kwon

■Gender: Male

■Race: Human

■Level: 27

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 24

VIT: 18

INT: 24

MND: 18

AGI: 14

DEX: 14

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana: Lv.27

Magic Skill: Enhancement Magic: Lv.19

Set Skill: Death Point Strike: Lv.17

MP Auto Recovery: Lv.15

Sword of Seizure: Lv.14

Identification: Lv.15

Sword of Life: Lv.16

Sword of Demon Slaying: Lv.7

Tame: Lv.12

HP Auto Recovery: Lv.12

Life Force Manipulation: Lv.9

Sub Skill: Mining: Lv.8

Title Skill: Fairy's Blessing

■Current SP: 30

■Avatar Name: Futo

■Gender: Female

■Race: Human

■Level: 27

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 24

VIT: 17

INT: 21

MND: 18

AGI: 16

DEX: 16

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana: Lv.27

Magic Skill: Fire Magic: Lv.23

Set Skill: Fighting Spirit: Lv.17

Spell Charge: Lv.16

Fire Attribute Enhancement: Lv.15

Healing Aptitude: Lv.10

Identification: Lv.15

Death Point Strike: Lv.17

Martial Arts: Lv.16

Combat Skills: Lv.16

Endurance: Lv.16

Sub Skill: Gathering: Lv.7

Mining: Lv.10

Title Skill: Crimson Sword Maiden

■Current SP: 30

■Monster Name: Lumin

■Gender: Female

■Race: Valkyrie

■Level: 1

■Status (Remaining Status Points: 0)

STR: 25

VIT: 18

INT: 32

MND: 19

AGI: 21

DEX: 19

■Skills

Weapon Skill: Katana

Magic Skill: Light Magic

Skill: Light Attribute Enhancement

Light Wings

High Magic Resistance

Medium Physical Resistance

MP Auto Recovery (Large)

Wind Magic

Magic Circle

Boost

Title Skill: Spirit King's Servant