“That’s why I’ve always used this greatsword. Come to think of it, my goal in getting stronger is to become like my benefactor, Sister Aila.”
Recalling her past and her origins, Rosal’s mood grew heavy. She looked at the two of them with helpless eyes, her pitiful appearance stirring a sense of compassion in both Midir and Aila.
“So that’s how it is. In that case, I won't criticize you anymore. However, in my view, such a massive weapon really isn't suitable for you. Speaking from the experience of a senior, although the greatsword holds a special meaning for you, it will also become your shackle and affect your future path.”
Aila sighed as she watched Rosal stroke the blade of the sword as if it were a precious treasure.
“Um... I’m just saying, what if... is there a possibility of making a weapon for her that can be both a two-handed sword and a one-handed sword?”
Midir suddenly spoke up, looking at the two women whose spirits were low.
“Where did you get such a strange idea? How can such a large sword become a one-handed sword? Stop joking around!” Aila looked at him with a dissatisfied expression.
But Midir extended a slender finger and pointed at the small pouch hanging from her waist, continuing.
“My inspiration came from that little pouch on your waist! If I’m not mistaken, judging by the marks on the weapons you took out today, that pouch isn't just for storage. There must be some kind of mechanism inside that can create various types of weapons, right?”
Aila finally looked down at the small pouch that had been hanging at her waist, a thought seemingly occurring to her.
She reached into the opening of the pouch and, as if by magic, pulled out a slender one-handed sword that completely defied the dimensions of the pouch.
“Then I guess you must also know the creator of this bag? If we go find them, would it be possible to get something similar for Rosal?”
“I know him, sure... but that person’s whereabouts are always uncertain. It’s not very realistic for me to go find him and ask for a new one right now. Besides, don't let its plain appearance fool you; it uses many precious materials. Little Rosal definitely wouldn't be able to afford it.”
As Aila spoke, she pulled another rapier from the bag, though there were subtle differences between the two weapons.
“Hmm... that’s not right. Maybe like this?” After pondering over the two differently shaped rapiers in her hands for a while, Aila stuffed them back into the bag and quickly pulled out a strangely shaped longsword...
Watching Aila mutter to herself while constantly pulling various weapons out of the pouch—which seemed like a bottomless treasure bag—the other two in the room were somewhat bewildered, but they didn't interrupt her.
Just as Rosal was about to step forward and ask, Aila slapped her forehead in realization and pulled out four weapons of different shapes and lengths from the pouch in quick succession. “This will do!” she exclaimed excitedly.
Then, she skillfully assembled the four rapiers. With a few crisp clicks, the weapons were joined together through small components on the blades and hilts, surprisingly forming the shape of a two-handed sword.
“The name of this pouch is Arms Crafter. Inside is something similar to your storage space. As long as I visualize it or preset my thoughts into it, I can pull out the weapon I need. The drawback is that the main body is extremely complex to make, and it cannot generate objects larger than the opening of the bag.”
“And inside are various raw materials for making weapons. Furthermore, its functions are bound to me personally, so even if someone else takes it, they won't be able to use it. It’s a pretty good item.”
As Aila explained, she pressed a button on the hilt of the greatsword. With a click, the newly assembled greatsword broke back down into four individual weapons, which fell to the floor.
“Sister Aila, are you planning to...?” Rosal watched the transforming weapon in Aila’s hand with envy, her expression like that of a child peering at toys in a shop window, full of longing.
“Of course I’m going to make something suitable for you. Since I said I’d guide you, you’re basically my disciple now.”
After several disassemblies, Aila turned it back into four parts, put three of them back into the bag, and handed the central one to Rosal, explaining.
“I have a general concept for the functional design of this weapon. However, it still needs a more professional craftsman to fine-tune its structure. Especially the mechanical parts for the transformation and combination, which require more flexible materials. So, take this small one to practice with first. Once I finish the final adjustments, I’ll forge a more refined one for you.”
“Thank you, Master! I love you so much!” Rosal jumped up in excitement and gave Aila a tight hug, her joy beyond words.
“I told you! Don't call me Master!”
Watching the two women play around again, Midir quietly retreated from the living room and began preparing dinner.
Dinner consisted of smoked steaks paired with rice. The steaks were leftovers from Midir’s hunts during his travels. Because they were easy to preserve, he had spent an entire night properly smoking them back then. Now that he had storage space, such processes could be completely bypassed.
“We need to go buy groceries tomorrow. Also, if she’s going to guide you, don't go to the guild to take requests for a while.”
Midir spoke to Rosal, who was busy studying her new weapon, as he handed them their dinner plates.
“That’s right. With your current adventurer rank, you can't get any decent missions anyway. You might as well spend some time raising your swordsman rank a bit; that will also help raise your adventurer rank.” Aila stared at the plate in Midir’s hand, her mouth following suit with his advice.
“Okay! Then, Mr. Midir, is there anything else you need my help with?”
“I need to spend some time over the next few days finishing that book. Meanwhile, I’ll see if Aila can help me find other information. You two just worry about your own business.”
“I know, I won't forget to look into it for you. But don't get your hopes too high. If it were a famous book, I should have some memory of it. Even though it looks a bit familiar, I might just be mistaken.”
Aila stuffed a large mouthful of rice coated in meat juice into her mouth, looking completely satisfied, showing no concern for her ladylike image.
“Oh, right! I just remembered. Did you ever see that swordsman who saved you again?”
Aila seemed to suddenly recall something. She wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth and turned to look at Rosal.
“You mean my benefactor? No, I haven't seen him since. I only decided to become an adventurer because I thought I might run into him on my travels. At the very least, I want to know his name!”
Rosal shook her small head, confirming her answer.
“I actually know his name. That man is called Phoenix. In a sense, he’s quite famous among high-rank adventurers. Stories about him have been circulating since about ten years ago. I was still young then, but I only know that he is proud and solitary. He never teams up with others and doesn't go out of his way to accept requests. He just travels across the continent like a wanderer, as if... as if he’s searching for something.”
Aila spoke as she recalled the information in her mind.
“How do you know so much?” Midir couldn't help but ask curiously.
“Well, recruiting the strong is a necessary task for a large adventuring group, isn't it?” Aila waved her hand. “I heard a senior in the group wanted to recruit him, but they couldn't even find his shadow. Later, when the report went up, his files were sent back by my old man and the others, saying not to worry about it. After that... it just fizzled out.”
“My benefactor’s name... Phoenix... like the bird? I hope nothing happened to him!” Rosal murmured to herself, a trace of worry appearing between her brows.
“You don't need to worry about that. Although he left very little information, according to the records at the time, he had strength rivaling a Sword Saint. When I went to Egret Harbor in the east a while ago, I heard locals say they had seen that bird that never leaves his side not long ago. It seemed to be flying toward the eastern sea.”
Hearing this, Rosal seemed to shed the burden on her heart. She curled back into her chair like a kitten and whispered thoughtfully.
“I wonder when we’ll meet again?”
Rate on N.U.
