kscans

Chapter 574 - The Wielder and the Weaver, Unchanging as Ever

"—How was it?"

"Couldn't have been better."

After finishing the schedule for the Four Pillar War selection match, from the preliminaries to the first half of the main tournament.

I dragged my thoroughly exhausted body to the 'workshop,' and a wry smile crossed my face in response to the question thrown at me, skipping all pleasantries.

However, my answer to the question was, naturally, all positive.

I waved a hand fitted with the new equipment I had just received that morning to show my gratitude—and my exclusive magic crafter, Kagura-san, let out a sigh of relief before slumping into her chair.

It was a rare sight, and my wry smile naturally turned into a genuine one.

"If you were going to worry that much, you didn't have to rush to finish it by today."

"…Don't be an idiot. This is your big moment, in a way. I can't have you wearing a makeshift remake from last time."

"I'm still plenty attached to it, so I'll be displaying the old one in my room."

"Oh, stop it, you're embarrassing me."

She says that, but the fact that she can't hide her pleased expression is what's so endearing about her—but I don't have the courage to tease her to her face, so I'll keep that to myself.

"So, the performance and everything was perfect, top-notch, but… it felt a little tight when I was moving around. Could I ask for an adjustment?"

"Yeah, I knew I shouldn't have rushed it… Hand it over, I'll take a look."

That must have been on her mind too, hence her opening question.

Following the words of the woman who had put a hand to her forehead and looked up at the ceiling upon hearing my request for improvement, I placed the new equipment—two pairs, four pieces in total—that protected my hands and feet onto the indicated table.

Their shapes were simple: fingerless gloves and high boots. They were a matching set of fabric woven from 'metal,' with intricate silver patterns running across a black base, clearly cut from a single material.

The source material was a spoil of war from my recent solo challenge against a fated enemy. It was a peculiar material called [God-Wedge Armor's Majestic Flash Steel], obtained from my second official subjugation of [Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King].

Their names were [An=Di Galta] and [An=Vo Galta] respectively—high-end gear, without a doubt, bearing the 'masterpiece' seal of the highest-ranking magic crafter, the [Pyre Artisan].

Including the two-piece set bonus, the stat bonus was VIT +100. It was a top-class effect value, comparable to the [Ice Weave] series for my transformed state… but that wasn't all.

This was a unique item that also possessed a special effect, bestowed by the material from a monster that had transformed into a raid-class enemy as a result of me doing whatever I wanted against an opponent whose difficulty changes according to the challenger.

Its hidden ability is called 'Flashing Wedge Armor'—in short, this is lightweight warrior's heavy armor with zero weight and comfort, which only demonstrates its resilience during offense and defense.

Its appearance is far from heavy armor, or even light armor; it looks like thin leather or cloth equipment. Yet, in terms of numerical defense, it's easily tougher than the full plate armor worn by some heavy warriors, which is astounding.

I believed Kagura-san when she said, "You should be able to hit back straight on even against heavy weapons," and when I deflected a challenger's full-swing greatsword with a backhand, I was genuinely shocked. After all, I had prepared an emergency escape plan, half in disbelief.

In addition, this isn't 'armor' but 'armament' that combines both offense and defense.

This means that the armor's hardness, weight, and power are transmitted only to the opponent not just when receiving an enemy attack, but also when I dish out my own punches and kicks—in other words.

It's like the [Anima] of the Southern Faction's second-ranked [Heavy Tank], Uni, the weight-faking [Dual Heavy, Starfall Twin Black Steel]. It's a ridiculous piece of equipment that tricks the system.

"…Just in case, I'll say it again. I have no complaints about the performance, okay?"

Lately, I've been actively incorporating unarmed combat into my actions. So, a piece of equipment that not only assists with punches and kicks but also functions as a weapon itself is a dream come true—I threw a follow-up to the magic crafter, who was correcting her 'mistake' with a scowl.

"I don't need your pity. Handing over something half-assed is something my pride won't allow. So even if you forgive me, I won't forgive myself."

"She's saying cool stuff again…"

But my words were instantly shot down.

It's been about five months since we met, but this person hasn't changed a bit. Despite having her character collapse so spectacularly, her heart is strong—

"Don't stare at people with that weird look on your face while thinking strange things. I'll knock you out."

"A weird look…"

Well, in terms of the 'depth of our relationship,' it seems the depth is changing steadily, as she now reads my thoughts as a matter of course.

That's great. Let's get along for a long, long time, sis… huh?

Oh, crap.

"Sorry, hey, I'm out of time…! My bad, but I'll come back for it tomorr—"

"Here, take it."

Just as I glanced at the system clock in the corner of my vision, hastily stood up, and was about to turn on my heel, the two pairs of four adjusted armaments came flying into my hands. She's as quick with her 'hands' as ever.

I instantly equipped them on my feet, which I had almost run out on barefoot, and my hands. With a familiar flash of light, they settled into place, and their—

"—How's that?"

"Perfect! Thanks, see ya later!"

The strange discomfort of feeling a tightness despite the zero-comfort wear was completely gone. She had rushed to finish them for today in the first place, so with the re-adjustment, there's no way I could offer her anything but 'perfect' for her work.

And with that, our communication is perfect too. My extremely straightforward business relationship with Kagura-san has no need for lengthy wordplay.

And that's why.

"Haru."

"Yeah?"

"Your real match is tomorrow, right? —Well, do your best."

"…Heh, I'll go in with everything I've got!"

When I get rare words of encouragement like this, I can't help but grin, which is a problem.