Chapter 78

"Welcome, I've been waiting for you!"

"I've been waiting for you as well! Come, come, this way!"

Upon arriving at the 'Eleanor Chamber of Commerce' and being led to Fin's usual workshop, we found Fin and Iori there, their eyes gleaming brightly. It seemed that both of them had rushed to finish their work. Though they were exhausted, their eyes shone brightly.

"You seem to have pushed yourselves quite a bit."

"It's fine, it's fine. Look, look."

Pushed by Fin, who seemed a bit unsteady, we were guided to a stand at the back of the room. There, we found a katana, a haori, kote, and suneate, as well as Lumin's complete set of equipment. It seemed they had diligently completed our order.

"Even though I had confidence in your skills, I'm still surprised. Wasn't it quite difficult?"

"Well, it was a bit of a shock, but the processing of the formicite became manageable with practice. The queen ant was a bit more challenging, though."

"As for me, I only had to sew the processed queen ant's carapace, but it was quite a struggle. It was a difficult material."

It seems the queen ant was indeed a formidable enemy at this stage. However, since we managed to defeat it, there was no helping it. The fact that we could process it so well was already a great achievement. Regardless, the completed items were now before us, and I couldn't help but smile as I inspected each piece.

■ Weapon: Katana

- Formicite Katana

- Attack Power: 29 (+3)

- Weight: 16

- Durability: 120%

- Effects: Increased Attack Power (Small), Increased Durability (Small), Corrosion

- Crafter: Fin

■ Weapon: Katana

- Formicite Wakizashi

- Attack Power: 25 (+3)

- Weight: 13

- Durability: 120%

- Effects: Increased Attack Power (Small), Increased Durability (Small), Corrosion

- Crafter: Fin

■ Weapon: Katana

- Formicite Tanto

- Attack Power: 21 (+3)

- Weight: 10

- Durability: 120%

- Effects: Increased Attack Power (Small), Increased Durability (Small), Corrosion

- Crafter: Fin

The weapons seemed to have slightly lower attack power compared to white steel, but they had the added effect of corrosion, which was present in the raw materials.

"Fin, what exactly is the effect of corrosion?"

"In simple terms, it reduces the durability of weapons and armor that come into contact with it. In other words, the weapons and armor of opponents you clash with will break down faster than usual."

"…It's like a weaker version of equipment destruction. Well, since there's nothing that can destroy an opponent's equipment in one hit, this might be the limit."

The acidic fluid that tormented us during the battle with the queen ant came to mind. I had expected as much, but it seems the formicite had a similar effect. However, based on Fin's explanation, it doesn't seem to have an immediate effect. It would likely be useful in prolonged battles or could be used to make opponents avoid direct clashes by informing them of this effect. In any case, these weapons offer different usage possibilities compared to white steel weapons.

"Hmm… But even in terms of pure performance, they're better than steel, so I think they're good, teacher."

"Agreed. We'll start with the white steel weapons, though."

It's not difficult to carry two swords on the left hip. We can switch to the formicite weapons if the white steel's durability becomes a concern. However, for Lumin, carrying too much weight might affect her movement, so I'll keep her equipment for now.

"It was tough until I understood the properties, but after that, it was easy. The hammer and anvil kept losing durability while processing this."

"The effect was present even during the processing. How did you deal with it?"

"I had a lot of items with corrosion resistance, didn't I?"

"Ah… I see. You used Luke's materials to make the hammer and anvil first, didn't you?"

It seems they went through a lot of trouble. I had thought the corrosion resistance effect of those materials was only for armor, but it had other uses as well. The ingenuity of craftsmen never ceases to amaze me.

"Alright… Next is the armor!"

"Right, you're quite enthusiastic."

Iori, who was unusually excited, puffed out her chest and pointed to the equipment she had made. Thinking of her as the granddaughter of a sergeant made me feel a bit conflicted, but I couldn't tell her about my relationship with him. I nodded, a bit awkwardly, and inspected the equipment she indicated.

The kimono for Lumin seemed to have the same performance as the ones I and Hizuru bought yesterday, just with a different color. Mine was black, Hizuru's was red, and Lumin's was green. It was a light green kimono with a gradient that turned white towards the sleeves, paired with slightly darker green hakama. The color scheme was similar to the dress Lumin wore when she was a fairy, apparently based on her appearance back then.

"Looks good. Shall we try it on, Lumin?"

"Um… Well…"

In response to my question, Lumin looked a bit hesitant, glancing at the kimono. But she held back and shook her head.

"No, I'll check the other equipment first. It's something I'll be wearing, after all."

"Alright, let's check the other equipment first, then."

Indeed, she had grown from a child into someone who could show such restraint. Her rapid growth made it a bit difficult to handle her. I treated her as one of my students, but I wasn't sure whether to think of her as a child or an adult. With these thoughts, I turned my attention back to my own equipment.

■ Armor: Decorative Item

- Magic Silk Haori with Metal Thread Processing and White Armor Attachment

- Defense: 18 (+3)

- Magic Defense: 12 (+2)

- Weight: 6

- Durability: 100%

- Effects: Increased Defense (Small), Increased Magic Defense (Small), Slash Resistance, Full Corrosion Resistance

- Crafter: Iori

■ Armor: Head

- Queen Ant Helmet

- Defense: 12 (+3)

- Magic Defense: 5 (+1)

- Weight: 3

- Durability: 100%

- Effects: Increased Defense (Small), Increased Magic Defense (Small), Full Corrosion Resistance

- Crafter: Iori

■ Armor: Arms

- White Steel Kote with Armor Attachment

- Defense: 16 (+3)

- Magic Defense: 4 (+1)

- Weight: 6

- Durability: 100%

- Effects: Increased Defense (Small), Increased Magic Defense (Small), Full Corrosion Resistance

- Crafter: Fin

■ Armor: Legs

- White Steel Suneate with Armor Attachment

- Defense: 17 (+3)

- Magic Defense: 6 (+1)

- Weight: 7

- Durability: 100%

- Effects: Increased Defense (Small), Increased Magic Defense (Small), Full Corrosion Resistance

- Crafter: Fin

After inspecting everything, I couldn't help but be impressed. This was a significant upgrade. The haori, like the kimono, had metal thread processing to increase defense and slash resistance. The shoulders were adorned with thin, elongated pieces of the queen ant's carapace, designed not to hinder arm movement.

"It was a bit surprising that the armor made from the queen ant's carapace had the corrosion resistance effect on the entire piece, not just the armored parts. We tried it with Luke's materials, but the effect didn't apply to the entire piece."

"Hmm, I see… So now the entire piece has the effect of reducing corrosion."

"Yep. The carapace itself is quite sturdy. In terms of sheer strength, it's better than white steel. But it's much harder to process."

"Indeed, it seems to be a high-grade material."

"Yep, thanks to this, my 'Smithing' skill level has increased significantly."

Despite their exhausted appearance, Fin and Iori looked satisfied. They had the opportunity to work with valuable materials, create something tangible, and grow in the process. It was a satisfying result for both of them.

"Alright, let's try the equipment on."

"Okay!"

Lumin, who had been looking forward to it, eagerly picked up the equipment. I chuckled at her enthusiasm and put on the equipment I had received. The design and size were the same as before, but it was a bit heavier. However, it wouldn't hinder my movement, so I should be able to adapt quickly.

The shoulder armor, which was a new addition, was particularly interesting. It seemed to have metal fixtures inside the clothing to secure the shoulder part. Once the shoulder was in place, the armor was firmly fixed. When I raised my arm, the armor, which was designed like bellows, compressed without hindering my movement. It was well-made, and I couldn't help but admire and appreciate the craftsmanship.

"Great job, both of you. This is impressive."

"Hehe."

"It's an honor to receive your praise."

The precise calculations required to create this shape were impressive. They had worked meticulously on a material that was already difficult to process. I was deeply grateful.

After moving around and checking the position of the swords—confirming there were no issues with movement—I nodded in satisfaction.

"Alright, this is more than enough. I'm grateful, both of you."

"Yup, it's like sending salt to the enemy, but I'm looking forward to seeing you in action."

"Mr. Quon is on a different team, so it's a shame we won't see you in action."

It's a bit uncomfortable not being able to help after all the assistance they've provided, but that's part of the business. This time, I won't be able to show them me and Lumin in battle. At least Hizuru is here, so I'll have to rely on her.

"Ah, Father! How does it look?"

"Hmm? Lumin?"

Turning to the voice behind me, I saw Lumin in her new equipment. Seeing her new appearance, I smiled. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and she placed her hand on her chest, looking at me with a fresh and beautiful expression.

"Yes, it suits you well. You look beautiful, Lumin."

"Ah… Thank you, Father."

Lumin has a Western appearance with blonde hair and fair skin. The light-colored kimono suited her surprisingly well. Her long hair was tied in a ponytail, similar to mine, giving her a Taisho-era vibe. Iori, who is also blonde, must have found it easy to imagine, and this was quite a feast for the eyes.

"Hey, teacher, what about me?"

"You haven't changed much. The color is the same."

"Grr…"

"It suits you, so don't pout."

I chuckled and lightly tapped Hizuru's head, lifting her face. In any case, the equipment was now complete. The preparations for tomorrow—preparations for the battle against the demons—were more than sufficient.

"…Teacher?"

"What is it, Hizuru?"

"Nothing, it just seems… you look… happy?"

I lightly pressed my lips, realizing they had curved into a smile, and chuckled. Yes, I couldn't deny it. I was indeed looking forward to it. The opportunity to use the power of the Kugenshinryu on the battlefield—and the chance to ignite the anger that smoldered in my chest—was something I had been waiting for.

"…Yes, I am looking forward to it, really."

—More than anything, it was something I had been eagerly anticipating.

■ Avatar Name: Quon

■ 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)

- Plundering Sword (Lv.14)

- Identification (Lv.15)

- Life Sword (Lv.16)

- Demon Slaying Sword (Lv.7)

- Tame (Lv.12)

- HP Auto Recovery (Lv.12)

- Vitality Manipulation (Lv.9)

- Sub Skill: Mining (Lv.8)

- Title Skill: Fairy's Blessing

■ Current SP: 30

■ Avatar Name: Hizuru

■ 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: Aura (Lv.17)

- Spell Charge (Lv.16)

- Fire Attribute Enhancement (Lv.15)

- Healing Proficiency (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

- Major Magic Resistance

- Medium Physical Resistance

- Major MP Auto Recovery

- Wind Magic

- Magic Circle

- Boost

- Title Skill: Spirit King's Servant