Chapter 66
The next day.
“Pardon me, but I must depart once again.”
We were in the middle of breakfast when Celes announced her departure.
“That right?”
Wayne curtly responds to Celes.
“I am wondering about the sword if—”
“We’ve finished work on the prototype already. The protection ain’t quite right but take it with you. Not like you can do much with that broken sword of sword of yours.”
“But—”
“Just shut up and take it.”
It may seem like Wayne snapped at her, but he likes to eat breakfast and read his newspaper in silence.
“... understood. I am in your debt.”
“Cohgray, yours is ready too. The boys were messin’ around and whipped something up for the mushroom too. You can use it until the real deal gets completed.”
“Mu!”
“Oh, thank you very much.”
“You’ve brought a whole lot of different kinds of materials with you and I’m itchin’ to work on ‘em. Take your time eatin’.”
With that, Wayne heads to work.
... is it just me or is he bulking up and getting bigger every day?
‘Yea, the blacksmith looks to be more muscular than yesterday to me as well. This is just like the innkeeper.’
What on earth is up with that?
‘Dost thou believe that he is so eager to forge because of his fears of contracting another disease? Or perhaps that he is excited to see such quality ores?’
Man, I hope it’s the latter.
I think he’s too energetic for his own good.
Anyway, we finished up our breakfast before heading for the forge.
We step inside and as soon as his apprentices noticed us, Wayne comes over with our newly crafted weapons.
Celes’ gorgeous sword catches Veno’s attention.
‘Hmm... what an exquisite blade. Mine dragon senses are tingling!’
Veno has his attention on her sword, but I focus on my crossbow.
Rapid Elba Orichalcum Crossbow +6
Quality: Superior
Required level: Base level 45
Bonus effects: Rapid Fire, Auto Reload, Increased Mana, Faster Projectile Speed, Bonus Damage, Improved Poison Arrow Loading and Damage, Accuracy Compensation, Limiter
A crossbow with a focus on rapid fire and damage for all purposes.
Its extraordinary rate of fire more than makes up for its slightly heavier weight.
Damage output and projectile range have been remedied. The user can choose to automatically enchant projectiles with poison.
The crossbow can shoot projectiles other than bolts but at a reduced rate of fire.
The action has also been simplified, granting ease of maintenance.
However, the crossbow draws the user’s Mana, necessitating a great Mana pool.
As powerful as it is, the crossbow tends to be picky with its user and so its true might heavily depends on the wielder.
Wow... talk about overpowered.
The Magic Iron Crossbow that Wayne lent me feels like a toy bow in comparison.
‘Aye, this is quite the fine piece. It should cost more than for what thou hast paid. However... it may be difficult on thine stats.’
What do you mean? I hold the crossbow in my hands.
Hmm... it’s got some heft to it.
But I don’t think it’s so much the physical weight as much as it would overload me mentally.
‘Thou meetest not the required level. With the lass’ cooking, thou mayest just narrowly be able to wield it... but the Limiter effect can only be overcome by thine strength. ‘Tis quite the nuisance. It would be unwieldable without first bypassing the Limiter.’
There sure is a lot of stuff packed into one weapon.
I guess only high-rank adventurers can use this thing.
And to think that even they aren’t a match for you, Veno... it really drives home how weak humans truly are.
‘Deprecate not thyself. Masterest the weapon and thou canst slay beasts like Safkrym or Elba with nary so much trouble.’
Well, you’ve got a point.
“Mu!”
I look away from my crossbow and see what Muu is up to.
Looks like he’s bouncing with joy getting a new axe, helmet and armor.
That armor is like... a stab vest or something. And its helmet looks more like a shield on its head.
Muu looks like its cosplaying or something, but it looks good on them.
Then, Muu goes clink clank.
“Muuu?”
Muu tilts its cap to one side as if asking Arleaf how she thinks of his new clothes.
“It looks great on you, Muu. Hopefully it is not too heavy though.”
Arleaf’s approval and doubt makes it seem as if she were Muu’s big sister.
Well, it’d be troublesome if the armor is too unwieldy.
“Mu!”
Looks like Muu’s fine.
“We made sure Muu’s armor would be easy for it to move around in.”
Did Rurika forge this just for Muu?
It really gives of a Warrior vibe. I wonder if we look like half-decent adventurers now.
Oh, right, I almost forgot about the weapons we picked up in the sewer. I should show Wayne now.
It might be a little tough to repair, but he says it would make for good materials for upgrading equipment.
“Now, then...”
Celes slings the sheathed sword to her hip.
She doesn’t seem to have the time to check over Wayne’s handiwork.
But judging by Veno’s reaction, it’s definitely made well.
“Oh, let me send you off.”
“Hmm? I appreciate it.”
“I do apologize, but I must help Gramps with his work...”
And so Rurika declines.
“Fret not.”
“Yeah, the rest of us can send Celes off.”
“Yes, we shall. Thank you very much for everything. Grandpa Wayne is only so healthy thanks to your help.”
“The medicine I brought him is but a drop in the bucket.”
“You were instrumental, Celes. Let me pray to the Holy Dragon for you before you leave.”
Rurika bows her head down and starts praying.
Celes, though, has quite the forced smile on her face.
“Then, if you will excuse me. I shall try my best to see everyone again.”
“Okay, take care now!”
Celes and Rurika say their goodbyes before headed off together to the stagecoaches.
Walking through town with our new weapons on our backs really makes me want to go and try them out.
‘I feel the same way when test out new spells. Perhaps we shall take the chance to go out for a hunt.’
Sounds great. But let’s see Celes off first, alright?
She’s probably from somewhere in Saint Yggdra. Somewhere we definitely shouldn’t step foot in.
“I extend my thanks to you all.”
“That’s our line, Celes. Really, thank you for everything you’ve done for us.”
“No, let me thank you. The time we had spent together had been very meaningful. You have reminded me of what my original goals were, and I am now able to head towards the right direction. Our adventure together had been utmost splendid.”
It feels good to know she thinks so highly of us.
“I pray that your wishes to be soon granted.”
“?”
Arleaf looks at us, confused by our exchange.
Though I think she’s got some clue.
‘Her family has been cursed. That prayer is for it to be lifted and for her to be able to safely and swiftly return by their side.’
Arleaf’s expression changes after listening to Veno speak.
It’s at times like these where Veno comes in handy.
“Ah, if you ever run into any troubles, you may rely on me. I shall help you to the best of my abilities.”
Celes holds her hand out.
I grip her hand and give it a firm shake.
However, in the middle of this refreshing moment comes a squadron with armor-clad warriors and robe-wearing mages storm in with battle standards in hand. They rush in and encircle us. We’ve been surrounded.
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