"Marie-senpai, the job I have in mind for you is «Magicross Adept». It's the best among the «Seamstress» category, and offers great versatility."
"I have never heard of that job before."
Well yeah. There wasn't any precedent of an advanced production job after all.
"I am really curious. How do you even know about something like that, Mister?"
"There's no need to sweat about trivial stuff. Anyway, let's focus on the conditions."
"That's totally the word of someone trying to brush it off, you know! Sheesh, Mister, you really, really are...!"
Really, really are? ...I guess she was impressed?
"First of all, I need to know details about your current job. I am assuming you already have «Sewing», «Designing», and «Dress Manufacture» at LV10, alongside «Magic Dress Maker» at LV75, right?"
"Of course. These are must've for good quality products! And yes, due to your frequent visits to shops, I have already hit the level cap."
Mhm, I remembered Marie-senpai was still away from level cap when I first met her. But due to the bulk drop of boss materials among other things, she'd jumped the levels nicely. Hehehe, it came full circle then!
"By the way, do you remember how many pieces of equipment you've made? To be precise, you need to have crafted over 1000 pieces, have successfully crafted downgrade versions of advanced-grade equipment, and experience over 10 Severe Fumble."
"I'm not entirely sure, but if simple items like «Handkerchiefs» and «Scarf» count, I've definitely made at least double that. I did manage to barely succeed with advanced equipment the other day, but the Severe Fumble... I don't think I have experienced that many."
"As expected of Marie-senpai. It's no surprise your guild is so popular. Alas, the low count of Severe Fumble is problematic. Let's get over it here then."
"Huh... here? I didn't understand."
"I am talking about Severe Fumble, obviously. The easiest way is to try sewing the ground. Marie-senpai, give it a shot."
"Huh, no, wait, are you sane, Mister?! The needle will break!"
"It's fine. I have spares!"
"Why in the world do you have spare needles?!"
I mean, I was fully intending to persuade her to get the advanced job, so I had prepared everything.
The Severe Fumble of the «Seamstress» category was quite peculiar; the failure not only ruined the materials, but also broke the «Sewing Kit». Hence I had prepared the 10 of them priorly.
"Ugh, you're really serious, aren't you, Mister? It really hope this isn't some kind of joke. Because if it is, I will seriously smack you for the waste of tools!"
"Trust me. It's definitely needed for the condition."
"Hmph, fine. I already gave my words, so I will do it. But trying to use a skill on the ground is just too weird. «Sewing»! Eek!?"
Despite her complaints, Marie-senpai aimed the needle at the ground and activated her skill. After a brief effect, she was pushed back as if by repelling magnets, and the needle snapped with a pop.
"Oh, it snapped cleanly. You magnificently pulled the «Severe Fumble», Senpai. Keep going!"
"You're too much of brute, Mister!"
Marie-senpai then broke all 10 needles. This was a necessary expense. No problem there.
"I, I'm done."
"Great, now take it."
Saying that, I took out the heart shaped item «Heart of Conviction», something I had used on Hannah as well.
"This is a gift for you too, Marie-senpai. This should make «Magicross Adept» appear."
"I have no idea what's going on anymore! Well, I'll gratefully accept it,
though."
Even as she said that, Marie-senpai took the «Heart of Conviction» from my hand and placed it on her chest, using it. Particles of light seemed to melt into her body and vanished.
"Whee, what a strange feeling."
"Now, preparations are complete. You should have met the manifestation conditions!"
Then I pointed towards the «Dragon Statue» at the back of the measurement room, sending Marie-senpai off.
"Alright, I'll just take it as I am being played and check it out."
"Go for it! It's the «Magicross Adept»! That's the best job class there is!"
"I heard you!"
Marie-senpai approached the «Dragon Statue» with her usual lively gesture, raising one hand. On the other hand, she held the «Advanced Job Ascension Ticket» I gave her, and placed her hand on the «Dragon Statue»'s head. Instantly, the familiar list appeared.
"Whoa, there really is «Magicross Adept?!"
"Laser focus on that."
"Got it!"
Marie-senpai gazed at the job list with curiosity, but eventually nodded in understanding, saying "Magicross Adept, please" as she tapped the job list.
The text for «Magicross Adept» zoomed in, everything else faded out, and the «Advanced Job Ascension Ticket» dissolved into particles.
With this, Marie-senpai was now a "Magicross Adept."
«Magicross Adept» was crowned the best among the «Seamstress» category, and was upward compatible with «Magic Dress Maker». It was also popular because it allowed people to craft more than just equipment, like plushies and decorations.
In particular, it was especially excellent in crafting light armors or dresses. Much like Hannah's «Ultimate Master», it was a high-ranking low-tier job.
Hehehe, at long last, we finally have the three sacred... ahem, I mean, the three essential production jobs. I said almost because Alulu was still behind. But it was just a matter of time before she hit the level cap. And then, we would be all armed up for our conquest. Fuhahaha!
"Your face tells me you're enjoying it, Mister."
"Because I am, Marie-senpai! Congratulations on job rank up!"
"Thanks! Honestly, It hasn't yet sunk in, but yeah, I am pretty happy."
"Well then, how about trying your hands on «Female Bushido Set»?"
"Can't you let me bask in the sensation for a bit at least, Mister? Sheesh."
Since we're done here, we moved to Marie-senpai's guild, «Weapon Seal Sticker».
I had already handed the four recipes in question. I mean, I had essentially used them as bait, so I had no qualms regarding them.
I took out all the necessary materials, including the rare boss "Samurai Ogre" I had saved for this very occasion, and handed them to Marie-senpai.
"We're probably still short on some materials, so I'll go hunt some «Samurai Ogres» another time. For now, just make and dismantle simple versions repeatedly until you get the hang of it. Once you feel confident, try the actual product. The real deal is to make the entire «Female Bushido Series» using only advanced-level materials."
"You really make it out like we're talking about some trivial stuff, geez. Uh-huh, but I am already unable to go against you, so fine, I am prepared to work myself to bone~."
"Fufufu. Yeah, you're now going to work for us, Marie-senpai."
"Uh-oh~, it's the first day and my boss is already crushing me with work~."
Hearing the plan I laid out to her, Senpai jested, even pulling theatrics like wiping fake tears. I got carried away by her nonchalantness. I grabbed both her hands and spun her around.
She was still as lively as ever.
On the side note, yes, the production classes come packaged with dismantling skills, allowing users to dismantle weapons, armor, and items that they'd crafted to revert them back into their materials.
Of course, the conversion ratio wasn't exactly 1:1, it was still a lifesaver. It was used more often than one could count.
Basically, I wanted Marie-senpai to practice some time using do-over to get a hang of her new skills. Then again, there was still some time before we could have proper advanced-grade equipment. We also needed to secure enough supplies of materials as well. They would only be performable till advanced-mid dungeons' shallow floors.
The truly formidable equipment uses only the advanced-grade materials. With them, even advanced dungeon bosses would be kinch... or not, but nevertheless, it would make battles more endurable. In short, until we'd collected them, I advised Senpai to hone her skills.
"Okay, stop! How long are you going to keep spinning me?! Let me down already!"
"Oops, I got a bit carried away."
I was so immersed about the future I had lifted Senpai off the ground. I gently put her down.
"Phew, I understand what you're saying. So, is this equipment for Rika-san?"
"That's a bit of a sticking point."
The «Female Bushido Set,» as its name suggests, benefits stats when worn by warriors from the Samurais of «Duke» category. You know, the typical 'When equipped with a katana: STR +60, AGI +40'.
To put it this way, it was understandable to think they were for Rika. They would also be equipable for Pamela, but she had yet to acquire an advanced job so that was still in consideration.
Anyway, the thing was, Rika wasn't a member of the leading vanguard party. So, for now, they could just be used as stats sticks for Karua. Thinking about it, I think samurai style would look... actually quite good on her?
In case we couldn't find equipment for her, these would be good workarounds for her. Right now, she was still using equipment made from materials of a regular intermediate-high level boss which, to be frank, were barebones at our current height. She needs a change of equipment to go into advanced dungeons.
Of course, we still didn't have proper equipment for the rest of the party members, too. But, worst comes to worst, they're still manageable by using «Equipment Reinforcement Orbs» to forcibly upgrade the rank of Princess series equipment, and that should be usable for advanced-low dungeons at least. However we'd no such option for Karua.
It would be a pity she would miss out on the set effect of «Female Bushido» equipment, but once completed, they would undoubtedly be the best equipment for vanguard our guild boasts of. So, Karua would be using them if we didn't find anything for her until then. ...Samurai Girl Karua. Mhm, I wonder how Rika would react? I was already looking forward to it!
I explained the same to Marie-senpai.
"Karua-han and Rika-han have completely different measurements. If you want me to craft this set, you have to tell me beforehand."
"Uh-huh. Then let's put it on hold until just before we challenge the
advanced dungeon."
"That's a bit tough, like being kept waiting."
"What a pickle!"
"It's all your fault, though!?"
"Hahahaha!"
I laughed to brush it off. And thus, due to unforeseen circumstances, we put the crafting of «Female Bushido Set» on indefinite hold. We might get another recipe collection, after all.
"For now, let me guide you in SP allocation! How much do you have left?"
"Hah, well, whatever. I never thought I'd have advanced job, so I only have the 10 SP I got as a rank-up bonus. Seriously, it's quite incredible I even get 10 points. ...Even just this makes rank up a super-hit."
"Then, for now, 5 into «Advanced Sewing,» and 1 each into «Advanced Fashion,» «Advanced Dress Manufacturing», «Magic Weave,» «Advanced Thread Generation,» and «Advanced Dress Mastery»."
"............How can you list the skills that only I can see?"
"Because I'm Brave! I'll explain the effects."
"Just do whatever you want!"
"Do whatever you want", eh? How decisive. I like it. This was why I chose her!
I immediately began to impart my knowledge to her.
T/N - Just a heads up, I read about the illustration page error—though it's been couple weeks since then—and have fixed it. All the illustration, coloured and b&w should be now properly in their places.
