kscans

Chapter 135 - Cool. That's Reason Enough to Exist.

"Where are we headed next?"

"To the place of a guy who makes things that are cool."

"Makes things that are... cool?"

Hikaru tilted his head. I guess that alone would not make much sense to him.

"I have not met him directly myself, but... Hikaru, do you remember when we went to the Dark Market?"

"Huh? Ah, yes."

"That was when we were discussing things with Saionji."

"Back then, I got connected with a creator who makes some unusual magic items."

"Unusual magic items?"

"Yeah. You especially would probably love them, Suzuki."

As I spoke, I showed them the taste enhancing earrings that the flashy guy had made.

"These are earrings engraved with a formula that enhances your sense of taste."

"Enhances your sense of taste... you can really do that?"

"You can. It is rare for someone to bother making something like this, though."

In any case, I had kept in touch here and there with that flashy guy, who saw a business opportunity in improving people's QOL.

"During a casual conversation, he mentioned an interesting creator."

"Is that the one who makes things that are cool?"

"Yeah."

Well, it should be about time... Oh, there he is.

"Sorry, sorry for makin' ya wait."

"It's all good. Sorry to make you come all this way."

"Nah. It's no problem at all. Oh, hey everyone. The name's Aji. Nice to meet'cha."

"Aji..."

"It is a fake name. Not unusual in this line of work."

Led by the flashy guy, Aji, we headed to an Alternate Realm somewhere in the city. I had only learned about it from Aji myself, but apparently there was an Alternate Realm that served as a base for a bunch of creators. Those without money who did not want to spend it on anything other than their creative pursuits apparently lived there and did their thing. Aji used to live there too, but after receiving financial support from me, he had more leeway and set up a base in the Surface World as well.

"This is it."

"It's the Kowloon Walled City."

We adults all blurted out the same line in unison. Hikaru did not seem to get it and just tilted his head. It is not like we were from that generation either, though. The original was torn down when we were kids... Wait, then how do we know about it? This kind of knowledge you don't know where you learned from is a little creepy when you think about it calmly.

"Ah, he's here."

While we waited in a sketchy looking park near the illegally constructed apartment building, he appeared. A flashy guy's friend is probably another flashy guy. The person who showed up was a flashy looking dude with a jangling collection of earrings.

"Whoa, it's really Satou-san. The real Satou-san. Um, can I get a pic?"

"I guess I can't say no."

"Thanks."

Flashy Guy Number Two cozied up to me and wrapped his arm around me completely naturally. A two shot, huh. I do not mind, but still.

"Gonna brag to my friends later... Oh, I'm Iwashi. Pleasure to meet'cha!"

Why are they both named after fish?

"Iwashi. You brought the stuff, right?"

"Of course I did. If this goes well, he might become my patron, ya know."

When I asked Aji to introduce us, I had him tell Iwashi that I would provide a lump sum of money like I did for him, depending on the quality of his work. It was not a reward, but I figured I might as well invest if he showed the same kind of promise Aji did.

"First up... how's somethin' like this?"

"A ring."

To enjoy the surprise, I had intentionally lowered my eyes' precision, so I could not tell its effects just by looking.

"For now, that guy over there..."

"My name is Akatsuki Hikaru."

"Whoa, your name's already cool. And yet you still greedily seek more coolness... I don't hate that attitude!"

"Th, thank you."

I had told him about Hikaru beforehand. His approval of him was apparently high from the start since he was seeking coolness, but now it seemed to have risen even further.

"Akkun, you know any magic?"

"Only simple spells."

"Then put on this ring and try castin' a fireball or somethin'."

"Y, yes."

Hikaru did as he was told, putting on the ring and unleashing a ball of fire...

"Wh, what is this!?"

The flame was not its usual color, but had changed to an ominous jet black. What's more, even the way the flames writhed had become stylish.

"Next, try a thunder spell."

"Y, yes!!"

Hikaru could not hide his anticipation. He immediately channeled his mana and this time unleashed a bolt of lightning... and this too was not normal. It was an indescribable color, a mix of jet black and crimson, and the path the lightning traced was also ridiculously cool.

"Next, enhancement magic. Just a light one is fine."

"..."

He nodded vigorously. It seemed Hikaru's heart had already been completely captured.

"Whoa...!"

From the index finger wearing the ring, a blood red line like a leaf's vein traveled up his arm all the way to his face. The whites and pupils of his eyes inverted too, giving him a wonderfully ominous appearance. Iwashi gave a soft laugh and handed Hikaru a small mirror.

"C, c, c, c, coo... huh!? Is something like this even possible!!"

It might be unnecessary to explain again, but just in case. His appearance changed, but beyond that, there was nothing special about it at all. Its power was not amplified, nor were the enhancement values increased. It was seriously just for looks. But if you were to ask if that meant it was pointless, you would be wrong. You can tell just by looking at those sparkling eyes, can't you?

"Looks like you like it. I'll give it to you as a sign of our new friendship."

"No no no no! I can't accept this! I'll pay! I'll pay for it! I don't have the money on me right now, but..."

"It's fine, it's fine. Sure, money's important, ya know? Can't get by without cash, one way or another."

But, Iwashi continued, smiling with a face full of pride.

"It's that kind of impression that we creators live for. So don't hold back, just take it."

"I, Iwashi-san..."

That's a pretty cool thing to say. I approve of that spirit.

"Iwashi, I've taken a liking to you too."

His spirit is one thing, but so is his skill. If you want to see a craftsman's ability, it is best to have them show you a simple piece. Because it is simple, the creator's true skill comes across directly. In that sense, the first ring he showed... was not bad. Remember with Aji, I decided to buy everything after seeing the taste enhancing earrings? It is the same thing.

"Hey, Iwashi!"

"A, are you serious!? For real!?"

"Yeah. I've seen enough to know you're worth investing in."

Besides, I want that ring too. I mean, sure, I could replicate it with my own power. But that would not satisfy my collector's itch.

"For now, I'm buying all the pieces you have on you. So do your best to pitch them and show me their appeal."

"Sa, Satou-san... thanks! I'll give it my all with the promo!!"

What kind of item would come out next? Our hearts fluttered like young boys in anticipation.