Chapter 69 - Prologue: Wedge Fragment Singing of Eternity
"Aaaah… I miss the countryside."
I don't know how many times I've muttered that recently.
Tokyo, the capital—a city of cities so urban I can't even begin to guess how many, or how many dozens of times more “city power” it has than my hometown. Three days was more than enough for someone like me, who has lived a humble life as a country bumpkin for the past eighteen years, to cry uncle over the various culture shocks.
In fact, I was practically dead on the first day. I'd secured a room a fair distance from the city center, so I'd foolishly assumed, “It's probably only semi-urban at worst.” But the population density, which was beyond any description of ‘off the charts,’ just about killed my mental state.
"I must pass hundreds of people just going to the convenience store… Is this the true power of the capital…"
It's not that I hate people or dislike crowds, and thanks to my time as a part-time warrior, living among people isn't a problem for me—or so I thought.
…Well, I'll probably get used to it. I learned the hard way at various jobs over the past three years that humans are creatures with an insane level of adaptability.
"I've got to get a little more used to it before university starts…"
It's a little under twenty minutes by train to the university I'll be attending in about two weeks. I managed to snag a pretty good place with decent access, but even so, with the population here, it's going to be a journey fraught with hardship.
—Anyway, moving on.
Today marks three days since I moved here from my parents' house. In other words, it's been three days since I entrusted that thing to Kagura-san on moving day. If she finished it as she promised, then today's the day I finally get to meet my long-awaited Terror Armament.
Naturally, I was busy with all sorts of things for the move, so I haven't been able to log into Arcadia even once since then. I told Sora I might be away for a few days, so that's not an issue, but at this point, I'm not okay.
Getting my bearings, dealing with paperwork, making the rounds to say hello—I've taken care of everything I needed to do in these three days. I've finished grocery shopping, and my first-ever personal refrigerator is now packed to the brim, enough to let me be a shut-in for two weeks. Delivery services are too convenient. Are they a godsend for people living alone?
In any case, I'm at my limit. The flame of motivation that I've been forcefully suppressing since the battle with [Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King] has been held back for too long and is now on the verge of exploding.
"Food, check! Hands washed, check! AC, check!—Alright, let's go, virtual world!"
Decked out in the symbol of freedom—a t-shirt and shorts—I charged at the [Arcadia] machine and fired up the ark to the virtual world, which has now moved from my parents' house to my new home.
Excellent cushioning. The parts moved with a quietness that was still unnerving, and the word “Ready” faded onto the transparent lid.
"Drive on!"
I uttered the startup key I'd been longing for while clearing away life's obligations. The “Ready” shifted to “Standby”—and my consciousness shifted from the real world to the virtual one.
◇◆◇◆◇
"…Whoa, no way."
That was the first thing I managed to choke out in a trembling voice upon seeing it. I unconsciously took a step back. Before my eyes stood a single player and the greatsword she was cradling.
"I can say with confidence—this is my masterpiece."
It was a fearless smile, different from her usual cheerful one, with a hint of ferocity.
Kagura-san, who had contacted me in literally a split second after I logged in, held out the item in her hands as if to say, “How about that?”
I swallowed audibly, unable to hide it, and tapped my finger on the proffered greatsword—no, the slab of iron.
"—[An-ri Galta (Prologue: The Wedge-Fragment that Sings of Eternity)]…!"
The window that appeared displayed its details to me, along with its grandiose name.
[An-ri Galta (Prologue: The Wedge-Fragment that Sings of Eternity)]
Terror Armament: Greatsword
A fragment of an epic poem bestowed by Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King, one of the wedges that enshrines a god.
Though its steel body, withered by white divine might, is but scrap iron,
the pulsating martial prowess of the Sword-King will walk a new royal road with its bearer.
This game, unusually, doesn't have explicit stats like attack or defense power set for equipment. Or rather, I should say they aren't visualized.
This thing was no exception. Despite the name, the details window only showed its name, category, and a grandiose flavor text that resonated with my inner chuuni. The abilities it held within, which should have been the most important information—
"—I see."
The moment I gripped the hilt, [Arcadia]'s specialty, the brain-install, taught me everything… wait, this is no time to be calm, what is this, seriously!?
"Isn't this thing… broken?"
"In two ways, yeah."
Kagura-san replied to my mutter with a knowing smile. It seemed she was also aware of its abilities.
Her comment about “two ways” in response to my remark about its power was probably referring to its appearance.
Although it's categorized as a greatsword, its appearance is hardly what you'd call a “sword.” To put it bluntly, it looks like an “iron bar with a hilt attached,” and I can't see any part that would function as a blade.
It's in a state where I'd have no choice but to nod if someone told me it was a work in progress, or as Kagura-san said, damaged.
However, the brilliance of the material, which still strongly retained the majesty of [Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King], and some kind of indescribable information pressure radiating from the whole thing gave it—gave [An-ri Galta]—a dignity that set it apart from ordinary armaments, befitting a Terror Armament.
"Well, the appearance at this stage is what it is. What path this thing takes from here is truly up to your path… here, take it."
From the tip of the hilt to the pommel (?), it was a slab of iron no less than two meters long. One can only imagine its weight. Even Kagura-san, whose overall stats as a max-level player are likely higher than mine, held it out with a posture that suggested she was desperately supporting it.
I gulped unconsciously and took it with both hands, and a merciless load, just as I'd imagined, pressed down on my avatar as if to crush it.
"This thing… there's no way I can swing it normally."
"I mean, unless you're a full STR build, you'd have to drop the weight of your other equipment just to manage a two-handed grip. For some reason, the moment it was completed as a weapon, it became heavier than its base materials."
"What's up with the laws of physics here?"
Kagura-san laughed as if to say, “How should I know?”
"Anyway, with this, the request… no, the contract is complete."
The bearer and the weaver of a Terror Armament are bound together for life. You can't just cheat on them with another Magic Artisan midway through, so just like with NPC artisans for [Anima], a long-term relationship is set in stone.
Ironically, the title of exclusive Magic Artisan, which had only been a verbal agreement on the surface, had now become an unalterable reality.
"Once again, I'll be counting on you from now on, Ane-san."
I extended my hand to my exclusive artisan, who had completed a job I had absolutely no complaints about, to show my gratitude. Looking satisfied and somehow relieved, Kagura-san accepted my handshake without hesitation.
"Likewise, I'll be counting on you for a long time to come—and I'll knock you flat the next time you call me ‘Ane-san’."
And so, the nickname I tried to casually make a thing was promptly kicked to the curb.
Refusing to be called 'Ane-san' with that look… isn't that breaking character…?
She plays the 'big sis' role herself but rejects being called 'Ane-san' because it's not cute and is embarrassing. That's adorable.