kscans

Chapter 971 - Limitless Potential

The [Dress of El-Clelia]—an outfit crafted by the [Milmarinus], who stands at the apex of all players as a jewel crafter, and can also be called a top-tier tailor without exaggeration. It is a special garment made by weaving jewels as if they were fibers.

It’s not a technique that no one else can replicate, apparently, but it is an exceedingly difficult and rare method that cannot be accomplished without mastering both jewelry and costume crafting to an extremely high level.

It is an undisputed unique-grade item, created through what is effectively a secret art that made even the famous ranker from the costume-focused Western Faction, Saishoku Kenbi, exclaim, “Oh, no way, no way, absolutely impossible. In fact, I hate it. It’s way too delicate, I’d NEVER wanna do that.”

While there may be minor differences in base specs compared to the [Sakura Hanaori] my transformed body wears, the power it holds is the same. It also possesses the versatility to be imbued with various special abilities by swapping out the core accessory, making it an item you can essentially call ‘good enough’ in any situation.

—So, with the dress itself only needing minor adjustments, the main event this time was updating the hand and foot gear that was previously created to match it.

“Mmm-hmm…—Okay, the compatibility is perfect!”

And so, it was equipped. Prompted by the hyper-energetic Ni-na, Sora gave a single, respectfully cute bow to the [Meteor Serpent] series that had served her so well….

“Woah… I-It’s strange. I don’t feel like I’m wearing anything at all, it’s a bit unsettling.”

Sora stood in the atelier, clad in her new equipment.

The El-Clelia itself was a masterpiece, a sleeveless shirt flowing into a flared skirt, adorned with a magnificent gradient from pure white to sky blue. With decorations reminiscent of wings and the line of her legs peeking from beneath the faintly translucent hem, it was a splendid garment that always accentuated Sora’s beauty… and at its extremities.

Where the [Meteor Serpent] armor used to be, her hands and feet were now clad in a fabric of deep blue dotted with white specks, like stars scattered across the night sky. And from it emanated a wondrous ‘white’ brilliance that was bright yet did not burn the eyes.

[αtiomart -Ele=Memento-]—a magic power manifestation weapon, born from the joint production of the renowned [Milmarinus] and Yukajin.

“Does it feel uncomfortable?”

“Ah, no! Not at all.”

Just as she said she couldn’t feel it, it was likely incredibly light and had been specially processed, much like my own gauntlets and greaves. Protecting Sora’s limbs as she fidgeted with the unfamiliar sensation was gear shaped identically to her well-worn previous set.

Fingerless opera gloves that hooked over the middle finger, and lace-up long boots. The base color was white, with black and multiple other accent colors like red, blue, and green, but the exquisite color sense that made them all harmonize perfectly without clashing was nothing short of brilliant.

While Kagura-san is also incredibly reliable in that department, Ni-na’s production sense was likely the major influence here. I could discern her distinct ‘style’ in a good way.

She probably used the red of the [Crimson Rabbit Choker] at Sora’s neck and the belt on her chest as a base to harmonize the colors. I wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to try and emulate her innate talent, but as a magic-crafter-in-training, it was something to learn from—

“Oh, the boy is mesmerized.”

“Huh?!”

“Yes, I was mesmerized. What of it?”

“Hweh…?!”

And with that, Ni-na’s teasing brought me back to reality. As I absentmindedly observed my partner’s new outfit and stated the simple fact, a stray bullet—or rather, an intentional ricochet—struck the angel nearby.

Forgive me, Sora-san. I might have said it casually, but it’s the truth.

“The zero-wear sensation… I was bewildered by it at first too, but you’ll get used to it surprisingly fast. And once you do, it’s just supremely comfortable, so I don’t think you need to worry.”

“I-Is that so…”

“Oh, so you can handle that level of teasing. Sora-chan, you’re strong.”

So, the matter of comfort will be resolved in due time, or rather, immediately. In the virtual world, Sora’s adaptability is easily greater than mine.

And as for her appearance, there are no complaints.

The design was a gift from Ni-na, so of course it was perfect. On top of that… the set equipment, woven primarily from items plundered from the Great Spirit of Light, Apollo, and infused with rare materials from various Demons, radiated an information density you could perceive just by looking at it.

A flawless, high-end full set was now complete.

—And with that.

“Alright, let’s see the basic abilities! Let’s go!”

“Y-Yes! Um…”

It also held a hidden ‘power,’ just as one would expect.

“—[Light Enchant]!”

Then, the moment Sora channeled magic into her limbs.

“Whoa…”

“And that’s a success! Ahh, I was a little nervous. Thank goodness it worked…”

Shining ‘gauntlets’ and ‘greaves’ of light materialized on the girl’s hands and feet.

“How is it, Sora-chan? Try moving. Does it feel strange?”

“Not at all. I really don’t feel like I’m wearing these, either…”

The armor of light followed Sora’s movements in perfect sync as she lightly moved her limbs. Its lines were extremely delicate and smart, blending in surprisingly well with her dress.

…The fact that it looked familiar was, of course, to be expected.

After all, it was based on and aimed to replicate the ‘Hypothesis’ stage of my own armament.

“Alright, next! Show me the switch!”

“Y-Yes…!”

Sora seemed to be constantly pushed around by the hyperactive creator (one half of the duo), and if I wasn’t mistaken, she was even starting to pull back a little… but, well, I understood how she felt.

Because, if the specs I’d heard beforehand were to be believed—

This thing… this [αtiomart -Ele=Memento-], was undeniably a ‘masterpiece.’

“—[Vermeil Kreis, Flame Sword Ring].”

She summoned the Flame Sword.

“—Attribute Loading…!”

Mastery, loading.

Once again referencing the pre-stage of my armament, the [Hypothesis: Wedge-Armor that Sings of the King’s Path], the power hidden within this ‘man-made art approaching divine creation’ was—dominion over attributes, not just swords.

“[Erde Kreis, Ice Sword Ring]… Attribute Loading!”

From light to fire, and from fire to ice.

“………………Hah, okay, okay. Perfect. As expected of me and Kagura-san…!”

Watching their joint creation switch the power it was clad in—glowing, burning, and freezing in turn… I had a feeling, but her high tension must have been a front for her nervousness.

Ignoring Ni-na, who had finally calmed down and plopped into a chair.

“Sora-san.”

“Y-Yes, what is it…?”

“You know, you’re looking more and more like… that.”

“Huh? Ah, ‘that’ would be…”

Leaving aside the details of its abilities, which were no doubt demonic in performance, I had but one thing to say to my partner, who was currently moved by the fantastical sight before her.

“You’re starting to look like a Demon Lord.”

“………………I’m not exactly happy to hear that.”

My partner, as always, was barrelling down the highway of lawlessness.