kscans

Chapter 292 - And the Wedge-Fragment Walks the King's Path

"—Alright, let's hear your thoughts."

"Well—to put it mildly, it's 'the best.'"

After confirming the detailed performance of the smoothly evolved Terror Armament.

I opened and closed my left hand to get rid of the strange sensation, rotating my wrist… then gave a thumbs-up with my free right hand to the weaver, who was looking at me with a confident expression.

"…That said, I never thought this thing would end up like this too."

That 'surprise' was directed at the two 'swords' that had, strangely enough, followed similar paths. The [Ev-R Quartz, Sky-Soaring White Crystal Sword] that settled onto my right middle finger as a 'ring' the other day, and—

[An-ru Galta (Hypothesis: The Wedge-Armor that Sings of the King's Path)]—the Terror Armament that had transformed into something other than a 'sword' and now occupied my left arm.

Its new form, fitted onto my left arm, could be described in one word: a wide bangle. The gleam of white gold fit snugly just below my wrist, in a position that didn't hinder the joint's range of motion.

Taking on the form of an accessory allowed the intricate engravings that had adorned its blade since its iron lump days to finally function as true 'beauty.'

—Well, just like the white sword, its accessory form is only a facade.

In any case, it was a relief that it didn't conflict with my [Stake Gauntlet of the Meteor Serpent], which was practically a glove. Even wearing it over the leather covering my forearm, I didn't feel any design mismatch, at least from my perspective.

"Terror Armaments, by their nature, tend to change shape drastically based on the experience they accumulate. In that regard, it's your Anima that's the strange one."

She had never heard of something changing from a 'sword' to a 'ring'—Kagura said, not with an exasperated look, but… no.

She looked at my right hand with an expression of utter fascination.

"With amusing things on both your right and left, haven't you become even more of an 'Acrobat'?"

"…I've grown fond of that title, so I don't mind."

The only problem, if there was one, was that this was only true 'if I can master them completely.' Compared to my left, which seemed to have unexpectedly started down the path of an 'honor student,' the wildness of my right was a bit of a handful…

No, compared to the actual wild Rabbit Dagger, the [Ev-R Quartz] is in a different category. It's more like—yes, this one is like a rebellious child—GACK!!

"Oof—…Ow!!"

In an instant, the white sword spontaneously materialized, and its pommel made perfect contact with the back of my head.

In front of a wide-eyed Kagura, This is Rebellious Phase mercilessly gouged my HP, then spun once in the air as if to say something dismissive before changing back into a ring.

"Hk… …………"

"………………Pfft, guhuk…!"

Dammit…! I'm sure it looks like a complete gag from the side, but I literally saw stars and even got stunned…!!

"Hah, haha…! You… that's what you call a 'special-grade quirk'…! Anima are supposed to be 'equipment with a will,' but I've never seen one this expressive…!"

As the magic crafter clutched her stomach, laughing at my completely unique situation, I could only shoot her a resentful glare, unable to say a word back.

That's right, I can't talk back to Kagura-san, and I can't complain to this thing either.

The reason for Halzen's comment, 'You've really been disliked,' was none other than my own careless handling of the weapon.

…Please cheer up eventually. I won't kick you around anymore.

Well, it's not so much 'won't' as 'can't' anymore.

"Alright… anyway, for now, the 'request' is complete—and don't you dare start any nonsense about payment now."

"I'll be sure to repay you to the fullest in my future activities."

It's really a moot point between us by now.

I have no intention of showing a disrespectful attitude to the artisan I revere—I thought, giving her a grin. Kagura seemed pleased and gave my chest a light poke.

"Then hurry up and go on an 'adventure' or something, and bring me back a new material or two. I can't stand being bored, you know."

"Isn't that asking a bit much—ah, yes, yes, as you command…!"

As always, she had a refreshingly straightforward attitude… but.

The two hands pushing my back, urging me out, and the delicate fingertips that belied her reliable image—they conveyed a feeling she had no intention of hiding: pure, unadulterated good humor.

…In that case, should I venture out in search of an unconfirmed enemy? If it's an order from my personal magic crafter, I have no choice but to accept—

Luckily, these prized legs of mine excel at the very 'charging ahead' she desires.