The days following our return from Memoria, after seeing Chris and Dart, the new Sub-Order Masters, and Riala, who married Dart, safely to their destination, were quite eventful.
The next day, we traveled to Respet, the capital of Count Tourmalina’s territory. There, Raus, Rebecca, and Carol successfully formed contracts with their Battle Horses and familiar companions. After Field brought them back, I thanked Count Sofia, who had provided an introduction letter, and then took them to Alka.
This brought our total number of Battle Horses to three. However, our familiar manor at Hinomoto Mansion still had plenty of space, and Alka itself was extensive, so the Battle Horses could roam and grow freely. Raus named his contracted individual Lean, Rebecca named hers Fur, and Carol named hers Orchid.
Five days passed, and then we received news from Marun, relayed through Sayuri, that the prototype metal ship was complete. Sayuri had been staying at Alka for a while and was currently assisting Marun with the metal ship’s construction. Her reasons for helping included the novelty of the project and the opportunity to use rare materials.
Upon arriving at the shipyard on the shores of Lake Veil, we found a small, approximately ten-meter-long vessel afloat. Two crafters boarded it and demonstrated its capabilities. The completion of even this small ship had greatly boosted the morale of the shipbuilding division, and they were reportedly planning to build a twenty-meter-class ship next. Our own prototype hull for our beast carriage was still pending completion, as new main body and chassis were being constructed. Since the prototype hull was also twenty meters long, it might be beneficial for the shipbuilding division to complete the ship first. If the prototype metal ship proved successful and practical, it was expected that Fina, along with Ed, would be promoted to P-G rank crafters, especially since the Locking magic was also being incorporated.
Two days after that, we engaged in our third combat training session with the Order’s Guild of Holy Grave. This time, they brought Orders from their headquarters as well. The headquarters’ Orders consisted of eight High Class individuals and fifteen Normal Class individuals. Similar to the previous two sessions, after our mock battle, they were taken to Mylight to hunt monsters. This time, two of Field’s Orders and two of headquarters’ Orders managed to evolve into High Class. While Lucas and Geminia couldn’t evolve, Lucas’s sister, Mireina, reached level 42 and evolved into a High Ogre. Rika also reached level 45 and evolved into a High Elf, her tanned skin changing to white. I had heard that not only Elves but also other races could change their skin color upon evolution, but seeing a tanned Elf’s skin turn white was quite striking. However, Rika’s beauty remained unchanged regardless of her skin tone.
The following day, the long-awaited new type of Armor Coat was completed.
“Phew, it was tough. We decided on Gold Dragoon for the outer layer and Disaster Dragoon for the lining, but figuring out the rest was incredibly difficult,” Marina announced, beaming, as she burst into the dining hall on the first floor of the Main Hall before dinner.
Marina explained that, in the end, they decided to sandwich the most suitable attribute Dragoon skin for the user between the outer and inner layers. The leathers of other attributes were used for the lining of the Azure Silver-forged armor and to reinforce the joints. The second most suitable skin was used for the outer and inner layers of the skirt and trousers, with the lining made from Light attribute Dragoon leather. The waist area was reinforced with Dark attribute Dragoon leather, providing even higher defense than their current equipment. The greaves were boots made from Water and Earth attribute leathers, onto which armor plates were attached. For the gauntlets, since Ed was a P-G rank crafter, he had access to the manufacturing methods for Magic Circlets and Magic Gauntlets. Thus, they became Azure Silver-forged Magic Gauntlets with the second most suitable attribute Dragoon leather as the lining. Ed mentioned that it was his first time making them, and it was quite time-consuming, so they were the last to be completed.
“So, Prim, let’s get changed,” Marina said.
“Understood. I’m looking forward to it,” Prim replied, her tail wagging rapidly as she headed to an empty room on the second floor to change. Marina and Fina accompanied her to help.
Incidentally, the production of Azure Silver had ramped up since Flem and I were promoted to S-rank crafters. We had produced enough to equip everyone with armor and still have some left over. Fina’s younger sisters, Fiana and Reina, had also leveled up and increased their magic power, allowing them to create high-quality items. They had taken the I-rank crafter promotion exam and passed.
After a thirty-minute wait, Prim descended to the dining hall, clad in the finished coat. The basic design was the same as the Crest Armor Coat, but like Marina and Fina, the chest area was open, indicating minor modifications.
“Wow, it suits you, Prim,” I remarked.
“Thank you! It feels and fits perfectly,” Prim replied, her tail wagging happily. Her joy was the most important thing.
“Now, about the name. We can’t use Crest Armor Coat because of issues with ‘Ee-quipping’ and ‘Stuttering.’ Yamato, what do you think?” Marina asked.
“That’s what I’ve been thinking. But since we don’t need to change it drastically, how about Crest Defender Coat?” I suggested.
I believed that being too unconventional might be poorly received, so a simple name similar to Crest Armor Coat seemed best. I might still habitually wear the Crest Armor Coat, but I could change quickly, so that wasn’t an insurmountable problem.
“It’s simple, but I think that’s good,” Ed agreed.
“I agree as well,” Raus chimed in.
The others also seemed to have no particular objections. Thus, the new Crest Armor Coat was registered as the Crest Defender Coat.
“Next, I’ll tailor yours, Yamato, and then prioritize Athena, Eos, Yuria, Fiana, and Reina,” Marina stated.
Athena and Eos were Hydragonians, and since they were currently wearing replica Armor Coats, I felt they should be prioritized. Yuria was also wearing a replica Armor Coat, and Fiana and Reina didn’t even have those, so it made sense to prioritize them. However, since the other High Class members, especially Mana, had the potential to evolve into Ancient Elves, I believed it would be better to prioritize Mana as well.
“Ah, that’s right. In that case, I’ll prioritize tailoring for Yamato, Mana, Athena, and Eos first,” Marina conceded.
“I’m sorry to put you through extra work, but I appreciate it,” I replied.
“I’m enjoying it, so it’s fine. Oh, and please decide on the leather to be used for the Defender Coat soon,” Marina added.
Of course. Since considerable amounts of leather from specific attributes would be used, Marina couldn’t start tailoring until that was decided. Fortunately, it was something I could determine quickly. I planned to decide after dinner and give Marina a memo. However, while the High Class members, who had evolved, each had multiple suitable attributes, the Normal Class members only had one. This presented a dilemma regarding how to choose the second attribute. While it was a difficult decision, we agreed that it could be re-tailored later, so for now, they would choose their most proficient attribute.
The day after the Crest Defender Coat was completed marked the joint training session between Field and Memoria’s Order’s Guild. However, it was impractical for everyone to participate, so we limited attendance to ten individuals each. The training took place in the Instant Labyrinth, for which we had received permission from His Majesty Reinhardt. Only Lucas and Dart were mandatorily required to participate, but Chris informed me that there was an overwhelming number of volunteers from Memoria’s Order’s Guild. We planned for a one-night stay, covering meals and lodging, but the location itself carried the risk of death. Our destination for this session was the fourth floor. Although it was a mountainous region, it also had some plains, and the monsters encountered there were mostly G-rank, meaning a few High Class individuals could defeat them. We had also heard tales of M-rank Gryphons appearing, deterring even Hunters, making it an ideal location for training.
“And why are we being made to fight a Giant Rockwurm!” someone exclaimed.
“I told you it’s training, didn’t I? Don’t worry, we’ll provide support,” I reassured them.
On the fourth floor, we were attacked by a P-R Rank Monster called a Giant Rockwurm. While it didn’t spit poison, its colossal body, easily exceeding twenty meters, emerged from the ground, and its sharp fangs could crush anything. This monster was of the same lineage as Ground Worms and Grand Deathwurms, making it a highly sought-after creature for us. Two appeared, and Prim took down one. I was providing covering fire for the other, leaving the Orders to handle it. However, even Dart, the highest-leveled among them, could not land effective attacks on the Giant Rockwurm’s massive body. It might be better to let them fight a bit longer before defeating it.
“Yamato, isn’t a Giant Rockwurm a bit too much?” Rydia asked.
“I know. But Orders must be able to fight on the front lines, even against Demise Species, in times of emergency. We can’t simply withdraw just because it’s difficult,” I replied.
Rudia cast a sympathetic glance at the Orders, but considering one had already been defeated, I felt they were quite fortunate. If this were a real battle and we weren’t present, the Orders here would have to somehow manage on their own.
“So, you mean we shouldn’t feel at ease just because Yamato-san and Prim-san are here?” an Order member asked.
“Exactly. If they rely on us for everything, it calls into question the very purpose of the Order’s Guild. I don’t think anyone would be foolish enough to think that, though,” I responded.
As an O-Rank Order, if asked about my affiliation, I would say Amister. However, my base was in Field, and it would be impossible to reach distant cities even if I heard they were under attack. Furthermore, since I only had one body, I couldn’t deal with issues occurring in two places simultaneously.
“You’re right. But I think they’re reaching their limit, so I’ll join in,” Mana said.
“Me too,” Mina added, brandishing her Silverio Sword and Silverio Shield as she advanced towards the Giant Rockwurm.
“I’ll provide support as well,” Flem said, drawing his Lapis Wing Bow and firing arrows. However, I questioned his definition of “support” as he immediately unleashed his Unique Magic, Tidal Blaster.
“Rydia, us too!”
“Right!”
Lidia and Rydia were also eager to charge in. However, I stopped them.
“Wait for a moment, please, the two of you and Athena.”
“Why?”
“Reinforcements are arriving soon.”
I had been detecting responses on the Sonar Wave for a while. While I couldn’t spare the visual range to confirm, I estimated about five individuals were heading straight for us. Their movements didn’t seem particularly swift, but under normal circumstances, this would be a surprise attack.
“In that case, understood. Raus-kun and the others as well, right?”
“Ah. There aren’t many archers this time, so don’t expect much support.”
“Understood.”
And so, the combat training in the Instant Labyrinth concluded without major incident. All participants from the Orders leveled up significantly. Dart reached level 52, and Lucas evolved into a High Tigari at level 44. They both seemed considerably relieved to have surpassed their respective partners in level. Minos, an Archer Order member from Field, also reached level 46 and evolved into a High Lamia. Three members of Memoria’s Order also managed to evolve. Carol also evolved into a High Elf at level 44. Unfortunately, Mana, despite reaching level 65, was unable to evolve into an Ancient Elf. Upon returning to Field after escorting the Memoria Orders, I was pressed about why I hadn’t brought them along to Holy Grave. I managed to appease them by promising that they could accompany us next time. As for the materials, we had taken them and paid the standard Hunter’s Guild purchase price, then divided the total sum per person. The Giant Rockwurm in particular was a monster we desired. Due to the presence of high-rank monsters, each person received two platinum coins, which was a substantial bonus.
Our weapons, which incorporated not only Azure Silver but also Winger Drake, were also to be exchanged for Dragoon equivalents. While most could simply be replaced, Ed mentioned that making new ones would be necessary for Mana’s Lapis Whip Edge, Flem’s Lapis Wing Bow, Rebecca’s Lapis Light Bow Edge, and Carol’s Lapis Light Rod, as they were proving difficult to simply exchange. Since Mana could evolve at any time, her Lapis Whip Edge would likely be the first to be remade, but we decided to leave the specifics to Ed. By the way, the hilt of my Azure Silver Sword – Pale Green has been remade from the Heavenly Tree. Fina happily did this for me.
Three days after completing the combat training in the Instant Labyrinth, we headed for Float. The previous day, I had received a message from His Majesty Reinhardt via Rika, informing me that Queen Hildegard Minato Torencia of the Torencia Phantom Kingdom would be visiting. I had heard about her impending arrival, and that she was like a sister to Prim and Mana. Therefore, leaving Rika, the Provincial Governor, along with Ed and his team who were busy with production, and Raus and his group who had chosen to gain experience by fighting after Carol’s evolution, in Field, we proceeded to Float to await the Queen’s arrival. Since Prim and Mana were looking forward to reuniting with her, I had no objections, and I was curious to meet the Queen of Torencia.
