Elfenries’ attack was the same as before: a full-body tackle using its entire physique as a weapon.
Combined with the following Dragon’s Roar, it felt as if a typhoon itself was bearing down. It was truly a blow befitting the word “calamity.”
Then, the dragon’s colossal body, which had fallen from above, came into contact with the spiral staircase.
Naturally, with an explosion that seemed to shatter the eardrums, the spiral staircase was instantly obliterated.
Elfenries had not changed its attack method. It was the exact same situation as the previous battle. It must understand that its charge, leveraging its size difference, was its greatest attack. Indeed, by simply repeating that simple yet strongest of attacks, no one could ever return to the top.
As I was sent flying into the air, I thought.
From the intercept plan I had prepared, I chose the simplest one. If the opponent launches a monotonous attack, I’ll just use a more monotonous attack to surpass it. I now have an unfair advantage that makes this possible.
The plan was simple.
Use “Default” to shorten the spatial distance and land on Elfenries’ back. Then, without wasting any time, use “Distance Mute” to extract the magic stone. That’s all there is to it.
After destroying the staircase with its charge, Elfenries circled back in the sky.
It then spotted me, falling, and opened its cavernous maw wide, as if to swallow me whole. It was trying to swallow me along with the fragments of the shattered staircase.
However, I wouldn’t let that happen.
I lured it in until it was just about to enter my mouth and then chanted a spell.
“—Magic ‘Default’!”
Using a new dimensional magic, I compressed the space above me.
As the space was invaded by magic of the dimensional attribute, the sky warped and the concept of distance broke down.
As a result, the space above me shifted further upwards. Following this, my body was also lifted upwards.
My body was propelled high into the heavens—a leap that defied all laws of physics.
There was no preamble whatsoever. It was a movement technique akin to teleportation.
If Elfenries lost sight of me with this, the situation would be easier—but of course, things wouldn’t proceed that smoothly.
Elfenries’ sun-like eyes lost sight of me for only a moment.
After feeling a gust of Dragon’s Roar brush against my cheek, Elfenries immediately tilted its head upwards. Then, after bringing my body into its gaze, it opened its jaw again and soared, as if to swallow its prey.
“—Next! Magic ‘Form’, ‘Dimension – Decisive Calculation’, ‘Default’!!”
I had already considered the response if I were to be supplemented.
I made a thousand bubbles of dimensional attribute magic burst in the air.
It’s likely that my location is being detected not by sight, but by magic. Its Dragon’s Roar is probably substituting for sensory organs, much like Arti’s flames.
If so, I just need to deceive those sensory organs.
The “Form” bubbles gradually shifted the world, confusing Elfenries’ magical sensory organs. Then, with “Dimension – Decisive Calculation,” I grasped the movements of Elfenries’ eyes and Dragon’s Roar, and moved outside its perception.
In essence, it was an advanced version of the technique I always use—making myself disappear from people’s sight.
“—Ngh!!”
Having lost sight of me, Elfenries became flustered.
However, to re-acquire me, it expanded the range of its Dragon’s Roar. A wide range—meaning it directed its attention far away.
So, I would take advantage of that and fly close to Elfenries.
And, as initially planned, I succeeded in placing both my feet on the dragon’s back.
Its defenseless back was within reach.
Now it was time for brute force, not subtle tricks.
I shouted a spell, channeling all my magic power—!
“—Magic ‘Distance Mute’!!”
My right arm shone with a faint purple light and pierced through the tough scales, ignoring them.
To borrow the words from a grimoire, it was the moment that Aikawa Uzunami’s “domain” and Elfenries’ “domain” connected.
Physically, for Elfenries, with a colossal body like a cloud, it would have been like a mosquito bite.
However, magically, it was a situation where Elfenries’ existence was being eroded by a vicious pathogen—a dimensional magic user.
“Guh, Ga, GAAAAAAAARGH—!!”
Elfenries’ body, which had been swimming gracefully in the sky until now, writhed.
And then, a roar that threatened to rupture eardrums—no, a scream that would make ordinary people bleed from their ears—echoed. The scattered Dragon’s Roar returned to Elfenries’ body and whipped up, trying to blow me off its back.
I put in magic power not to be outdone.
Even while enduring the Dragon’s Roar and Dragon’s Wind, I did not cancel “Distance Mute.”
It wasn’t that the dragon’s attacks were mild. Quite the opposite. I was on the verge of being thrown off by its voice and wind alone, which were likely just auxiliary for Elfenries. My arm felt like it was about to be torn off.
As expected, a rank 60 monster.
If we had fought normally, I would have been crushed simply because my level was insufficient.
That is precisely why I would not let this chance slip away.
Focusing all my consciousness on my right arm, I rummaged through Elfenries’ domain—searching.
Searching for its core, the magic stone.
Its colossal size was irrelevant. Volume and distance meant nothing to a dimensional magic user.
That’s because it transcends such dimensional matters, it’s a dimensional magic user.
This is a magic that intersects “domain” with “domain.”
It’s the ultimate and best magic, devised by “Saint Tiara” and perfected by “Primordial Kanami.”
At this point, the strength of levels was a trivial matter, long surpassed—
“—Magic ‘Distance Mute’! Take it outtttttt!!”
I grabbed—stole, and ripped out—Elfenries’ magic stone.
“Gaaaaaaaargh—!!”
Simultaneously, vibrations striking my skin filled the air.
It wasn’t a magnificent “Dragon’s Roar,” but the death rattle of a creature sensing the end of its life—a mere scream.
Monsters that lose their magic stones face only one fate.
Its entire colossal body, which had been covering the sky, gradually became transparent and transformed into light.
In the wide grasslands, a rain of light began to fall sporadically.
A single Elfenries created a weather phenomenon called “Tear Ray.” It offered a glimpse into just how high the magic density of a rank 60 monster was.
[Title “Friend of the Sky” acquired]
Grants a +0.01 bonus to Dexterity.
I was flung into the air. To avoid the impact of the fall, I cast one last “Default” and moved to the ground.
Then, I dodged the fragments of the spiral staircase falling from the sky and bathed in the falling rain of light.
“…Now that I understand the mechanics of this world, I don’t need flashy magic anymore. I just need to get behind it and pull out its magic stone.”
The battle lasted only a few seconds. The fight ended before the fragments of the destroyed spiral staircase could fall from the sky.
In this other world, “magic stones” are the core of power.
Therefore, attacking them would be the wisest course of action in battle. And I realized I was a magician specialized in just that.
From now on, I would never lose to a monster that was merely strong. It was a victory I could be certain of.
Of course, there was a sliver of emptiness.
In a world of swords and magic, it felt a bit like I was clearing it with a cheat. But now was not the time to be fixated on “game-like” fun.
If I wanted to return to the ground as quickly as possible, I would use any cheat I could.
While offering a silent prayer to Elfenries, the sacrifice of that cheat, I “gazed” at the magic stone in my hand.
[High Sky Beryl]
A convergence of magic that commands the sky.
Drops from the highest-ranking wind-attribute monsters.
My “Display” praised the magic stone called High Sky Beryl.
This magic stone, bearing the words “highest-ranking,” might hold value even in Viais.
“Now, for experience points…”
I checked the number I had most anticipated.
[Experience Points: 202345/135000]
However, the experience points were lower than I had expected.
I had dreamed of leveling up by about ten levels at once, so I was a little dissatisfied.
Still, there was no doubt that I was moving forward. My mood was far brighter compared to when I had despaired, feeling stuck.
While checking my status after the battle, I looked around.
The spiral staircase in the center of the plain had been destroyed, making it impossible to ascend to the 39th floor.
Although I could ascend using “Default,” I had used up almost all my MP in the battle, so I was reluctant to challenge the unknown 39th floor by consuming “Dimensional Ring,” my reserve magical power.
Today, I was content knowing I could defeat Elfenries. I should go further with Rainer. If there were two of us, we could save more MP in future battles, and I wanted to level up too.
“Shall we return once? There’s no need to rush yet.”
I emerged from the scattered rubble and headed for the “Connection” that led to the city.
And so, I safely accomplished my second dragon slaying.
◆◆◆◆◆
Then, returning directly from the labyrinth, I visited Reinand’s workshop.
My purpose, of course, was—
“—Hoh, ‘High Sky Beryl,’ you say? You’ve brought something good. This would be top-tier even in ‘Viais’.”
Upon seeing Elfenries’ magic stone, Reinand praised it as much as my display had.
Knowing that it was a magic stone that would be valuable even in Viais, I struck a triumphant pose. I immediately began to think about weapons and armor made with “High Sky Beryl.”
According to my “Display,” the attribute is “wind.” It perfectly matches the attribute of my companion.
Perhaps it would be best to make it a sword again, like with “Crescent Pectoral Azure.”
“Um, Reinand-san. If possible, I’d like to use this to strengthen my companion knight…”
“You mean the child who was with you last time? Does he use wind magic?”
“Yes. He uses nothing but wind magic, so I think it’ll be perfect.”
“Hmm… However, if you want to make something truly good, I’d like to inspect all the equipment he’s currently using. Equipment also has balance.”
Thanks to the full cooperation I had received recently, Reinand showed a willingness to give his all as a blacksmith. His detailed requests were proof of his earnestness.
I had seen Rainer fight using magic tools like rings multiple times. It’s possible he has magic tools hidden all over his body. If the effects of what I’m about to make and what he’s hiding overlap, the magic stone would go to waste.
It seems an inventory check of Rainer’s equipment is essential for his enhancement.
“That’s right. I’ll go ask Rainer about it. And I have something I want to retrieve, too.”
As it happens, Rainer’s beloved “Ruf Bringer” is still broken. Although it looks better thanks to Rowen and Alivers, I want to get it repaired.
Since I was able to repair all the other mentally contaminated weapons, “Ruf Bringer” should be no problem.
“Alright, today we’re enhancing your companion. Go quickly.”
“Yes.”
Our enhancements are directly linked to the salvation of the Lord, which seems to please Reinand as he urges me on.
I left Reinand’s house immediately and cast “Dimension” to spread it throughout the city.
The unchanging green city spread out before me. Viais’s tranquil state seemed to be functioning without issue again today.
My sense of “Dimension” sharpens with each passing day. I quickly spot Lord pruning plants with an adult. Unlike the mansion from yesterday, today she was trimming branches protruding from public roads.
Viais has many natural, artistic features.
For example, tunnels created by rows of trees about four meters high on either side. They aren’t perfect tunnels that repel rain, but the dappled sunlight filters through them, creating a fantastical scene.
For example, a house built on top of a large tree, with a thick trunk serving as stairs to reach it. No stones, let alone jewels or iron, were used. Perhaps that’s why I sense so many large trees in Viais. Still, it doesn’t feel gloomy, likely due to Lord’s skill as a gardener. The pruning is calculated so that sunlight can reach everywhere you walk.
There are many other unique characteristics to Viais.
One of them is a public road where low-spreading deciduous trees serve as signposts.
Lord is happily snipping branches with her high-reach pruners, and Rainer is gathering them. When I appear, Lord is the first to stop working and react.
“…Hm? Oh, it’s Kanamin. What about your blacksmithing work?”
“Ah, I worked too hard and there’s nothing left to repair, so I’m on break.”
I reply with a prepared excuse.
Lord, realizing I’m free, invites me with her high-reach pruners.
“Then, want to work with the kids?”
“No, it’s fine. I plan to learn blacksmithing from Reinand-san during my free time. As you told me, I want to re-examine my equipment.”
“Ah, you’re really going to make equipment from scratch…”
“Rainer, who has grown stronger by learning magic, and me, who has learned blacksmithing, will strengthen him. It’s a neat division of roles, isn’t it? So anyway, I came to measure Rainer. And could I also borrow the equipment he’s currently using?”
“Hmm, so that’s what it is. Well then, finish up quickly.”
Lord grants my request without any questions. Rainer does the same.
It was a very sudden proposal, but there was no resistance at all. I took off the equipment he was wearing and had him undergo measurements via “Dimension.”
Along the way, I asked questions about what he was wearing. While the effects of the chainmail he wore underneath were clear, I wanted to know the exact effects of his rings and bracelets.
Finally, I asked about his beloved broken magic sword.
“Ah, Rainer. Is it okay to combine this ‘Ruf Bringer’ into one?”
“Do as you see fit, Christ. I leave it all to you.”
“…Understood.”
He seems to trust me completely. His expression clearly shows that he believes everything will be fine as long as I’m in charge. In response to that trust, I nod vigorously.
“So, are you off until the city’s repair items pile up, Kanamin?”
“Yes, tomorrow is also a day off.”
“Then, then, then, shall we three go on a picnic tomorrow! I’ll take time off from my work too!”
Lord excitedly suggested it as a great idea.
However, her innocent gaze was painful. She truly believed I was on vacation and wanted us three to enjoy ourselves.
But now, returning to the surface is also for Lord’s sake. To call Idol, the prime candidate for her salvation, as soon as possible, I cannot agree to it.
“No, I’m thinking of preparing for labyrinth exploration today, and challenging the labyrinth with Rainer tomorrow.”
“Eh, ehhh… A labyrinth rematch already? After being so thoroughly defeated?”
“We weren’t thoroughly defeated… Sorry, but I want to try out what I can do today in practice tomorrow.”
“U-um. Well, I know you two’s main job is labyrinth conquest… I guess it can’t be helped. Rainer, you can go too… Well, you’ll probably lose to Elfenries-chan anyway.”
It was because I defeated that Elfenries that I was inviting Rainer now…
As expected, I felt guilty about continuing to deceive Lord.
But, vowing to save her no matter what, I continued with my original plan.
“I see… So, tomorrow, I’ll be alone…”
Unconsciously, Lord kept repeating words that pricked at my heart.
“W-Well then, Rainer, I’ll borrow your equipment for a bit…!”
“Ah, I’m counting on you to make it good equipment.”
“See you, Kanamin~”
I fled from Lord. The thought of feeling this way every time I saw her only strengthened my desire to return to the surface.
I hurried back to Reinand’s place to conquer the labyrinth as quickly as possible.
“—I’m back!”
Immediately upon returning to the workshop, I spread Rainer’s equipment on the table.
However, Reinand’s expression as he looked at it was grim.
“This is awful…”
The reason seemed to be more than just the poor quality.
He picked up each item, his brow furrowed deeper.
“A ring for magic amplification, a ring for magic explosion… Is this one for forced acceleration…? Whatever it is, it’s not made with a sound mind…”
“Is it that bad?”
“This doesn’t consider coming back. It looks like equipment meant to die with the enemy.”
To Reinand, who was knowledgeable about weapons and armor, it looked like suicide tools.
“Ah, that’s just like him…”
“To think you would say ‘that’s like him’… We need to do something about this immediately…”
I was used to Rainer’s antics, so I was fine, but Reinand was appalled yet showed a strange sense of mission. Perhaps this was also the pride of a blacksmith.
“We need to give him a good weapon so he doesn’t have to rely on these self-destructing magic tools… Let’s start with this sword…”
He focused on the sword Rainer used the most, “Ruf Bringer.”
Among the items found in the labyrinth, it was the sword with the most vicious abilities. If Snow hadn’t been beside me then, I might have been mentally corrupted by it.
However, it possessed sharpness commensurate with its troublesome abilities. As expected of a sword from a thousand years ago.
“You have good craftsmanship. But who made this sword? If they could make something this good without the technique of ‘Divine Steel,’ I should know them…”
Reinand seemed to have no recollection.
Perhaps it was a sword born a thousand years ago, but after Reinand had died.
“I don’t know about that either… I just picked it up in the labyrinth…”
“No matter. For now, using the ‘High Sky Beryl’ you brought, I’ll repair and enhance this ‘Ruf Bringer’.”
“Understood. …But powering up with a magic stone, huh.”
Why, I wonder?
I’m so excited.
It’s like… I’m weak to the situation where a famous sword that once broke is repaired. I can feel my gamer side surfacing.
Someday, I want to have someone like Rowen’s weapon break against a strong enemy, and then repair it with my blacksmithing skill. It may not be Rustiara, but I feel like I could become stronger just by going through that event.
Of course, that’s just wishful thinking.
Realistically, if I can’t succeed in the repair, there’s no way it will power up.
In short, it all depends on the quality of the blacksmithing.
Since I didn’t want to fail in blacksmithing using “High Sky Beryl,” I asked Reinand.
“It looks like difficult work, but do you need my help?”
“Let’s see… Indeed, I don’t want to fail this repair using this magic stone. You leave this to me alone. You finish up yesterday’s work.”
“Understood.”
After dividing the roles, we each started blacksmithing.
Since the labyrinth challenge only took about an hour yesterday, I could focus on blacksmithing today as well.
Unlike the first day, each piece was directly related to the labyrinth conquest from tomorrow onward. I forgot about pacing my stamina and started swinging my hammer with engrossment.
—And while blacksmithing, I imagined.
It’s fun just thinking about who among me and Rainer should wear this equipment once it’s completed. Just like when I was making swimsuits for my companions with sewing, I seem to be better suited for production than combat.
Now that I know most of my combat skills were my sister’s, it’s practically a certainty.
And I remembered the failure when I used my other production skill, “Sewing.”
At that time, prioritizing functionality resulted in everyone having brown swimsuits—a painful failure. Sera’s reprimand still echoes in my ears.
In other words, it’s not okay for a producer to make things just for their own convenience.
You can tell that by looking at Reinand next to me. What’s driving him now isn’t for himself. It’s for the person who will use the weapon.
First, as a premise, there’s concern for Lord, who is trapped here. And second, concern for the boy who will use “this sword.” His expression shows he wants to make a strong sword to protect Rainer’s life, who doesn’t shy away from self-harm.
I must learn from that attitude.
In other words, just “being able to swim” isn’t enough, like with the previous swimsuits.
Not just repairing it, but thinking of the user’s face and producing something better. That’s the path to becoming a master blacksmith.
“…Hmm.”
However, there’s little I can do as I’ve only just learned the skill “Divine Steel Blacksmithing” from Reinand.
The rough repairs are already finished.
Now, all that’s left is polishing and plating for the finishing touches.
But if that’s all, it’s the same as the brown swimsuits from before. Remembering my regret for not adding even a single embroidery to the swimsuits, I begin to add details to the armor that Rainer will likely use. At the very least, it must be equipment befitting something as romantic as a “reborn magic sword.”
Furthermore, I visualize the finished armor in my mind and start paying attention to the coloration.
How can I make it suit Rainer? How can I make it match the design of the “reborn magic sword”? Gradually, I shift my thoughts from explorer to producer.
First, I balance the colors to make Rainer’s hair stand out. Then, to emphasize that he is a knight, I deliberately add an improvised crest.
Why is that? Just thinking of an original crest makes my heart beat faster. This could be said to be the trademark of the Aikawa Uzunami party.
I’ve felt this way for a while, but Rainer has the makings of a protagonist in a story. His reckless personality is just like a shonen manga protagonist.
I’m starting to understand Alivers’ feelings a little. Just imagining Rainer wearing the equipment I’ve made makes me excited.
In other words, it’s natural for a producer to want to give heroic equipment to a heroic person—!
Therefore, not only skills “Blacksmithing” and “Divine Steel Blacksmithing” but also, fluidly, skill “Sewing” is activated.
For some reason, my muddled thoughts have led to the conclusion that “clothing that matches this equipment is also important.” I don’t compromise on the fabric and take out the best from my current inventory. Of course. I won’t make the same mistake as with the swimsuits.
Rainer’s physique has already been grasped via “Dimension.” After creating an inner shirt that perfectly fits his size, I rapidly embroider it.
Unlike before, I don’t have “Parallel Thinking,” so my work speed has slowed down. However, since I’m focusing on just one thing, I should be able to sew more accurately than before. I’m happy that I can pour all my abilities into creating a one-of-a-kind item for Rainer, rather than mass production.
Inevitably, the result is something that cannot be compared to the swimsuits from before.
However, I still cannot let my guard down.
Even if I’m satisfied with it, others might not be.
Looking at the equipment and clothing via “Dimension,” there is still room for improvement.
Activating skill “Sewing” and picking up a needle and thread.
—There’s still more I can do. I need to hurry…!
Thus, I continue to “magically modify” Rainer’s equipment, putting my own equipment enhancement on the back burner.
—And thus, the third day of work time ended.
My misfortune today was that Reinand, faced with the top-class “High Sky Beryl,” was too concentrated to stop my rampage…
