Chapter 98 Die!!
The day after Mr. Tyler visited the workshop of Clan ≪Wooden Sword Way≫ for an interview.
On that day, after finishing the guidance on wooden sword crafting for the clan members, around the time the sun was about to set, I, Io, and Garon entered the [God's Remains Labyrinth].
From the [Seal Temple] teleportation circle, we headed towards the 11th floor――the Grassland Floor.
But to be honest, we didn't come here to gather materials or explore.
We came here for a certain experiment... or rather, a performance test.
"It's okay around here. The view is good, and if there are other explorers, they'll notice quickly. There's no risk of accidentally involving them."
Io stopped in his tracks and said so after moving a bit from the 11th floor teleportation circle.
I and Garon also stopped, checked our surroundings, and nodded in agreement.
"That's right, isn't it?"
"Yeah, explorers wandering around the teleportation circle at dusk are few, anyway."
We thought it was a good spot, so I and Garon stood facing Io, keeping a reasonable distance.
Then, I took out my wooden sword, and Garon took out his shield from the Storage Ring.
However, what we took out wasn't just a ordinary wooden sword or shield. Both were formed from a thin, semi-transparent crystal body with a light brown color.
What is this, you ask? The answer is simple.
These were the sword and shield made from the 'Earth Elemental Treant's core wood' that Mr. Tyler brought to the workshop yesterday. Needless to say, I made both of them.
By the way, I named the wooden sword "Rock Iron" and the shield "Earth Crystal Shield".
...Hmm? Ah, the shield's name? Of course, it's just a random name, isn't it?
――Anyway.
Making this "Rock Iron" wasn't that difficult, to be honest.
As a material, it's extremely sturdy, aside from having the earth attribute, and its hardness is around the middle of 'Elder Treant's Core' and 'Gravity Elemental Treant's Core'.
It's not like 'Ice Elemental Treant's Core', which has a glass-like quality, and it's not prone to breaking when processed. It's heavier than "Black Radiance", but not excessively so.
If I can tolerate the earth attribute being automatically infused into my aura, "Rock Iron" becomes a superior alternative to "Black Radiance" that's easy to use, with few drawbacks.
In terms of processing difficulty, if I had processed it before making "Silver", I would have struggled quite a bit, but with my current skills, I can process it into a sword or shield without any issues.
So, without much trouble, I was able to complete "Rock Iron" and "Earth Crystal Shield" within yesterday.
――So.
Why did I bring the newly completed "Rock Iron" and "Earth Crystal Shield" all the way to the 11th floor today? As I said earlier, it's for a performance test.
One might think that a performance test could be done at the guild's training grounds, but this time, it's going to be a bit more flashy, and if we did it at the training grounds, we'd need to reserve the whole place to avoid affecting other explorers. That's a hassle, so we came all the way to the labyrinth instead――that's how it is.
"Well, then――both of you, get ready."
"Got it."
"Understood."
Io, standing at a distance, gripped the "Holy Tree Staff" with both hands and thrust it into the ground, saying to us.
I and Garon nodded, getting ready.
Specifically, I put on [Aura Armor] all over my body, and Garon activated [Dome Shield].
However, the auras that the 2 of us had deployed were of a different color than usual.
Normally, a neutral aura is a pale blue or slightly blue-white color. But the [Aura Armor] I deployed, as well as the aura Garon deployed, were varying shades of light brown.
The reason, of course, is "Rock Iron" and "Earth Crystal Shield".
I wrapped my entire body with the aura of [Aura Armor] through "Rock Iron", and Garon activated [Dome Shield] through "Earth Crystal Shield", which resulted in the aura gaining earth attributes.
That's right.
This performance test isn't simply a test of "Rock Iron" and "Earth Crystal Shield"――to be more accurate, it's a test of the defensive skill with earth attributes.
And it's not about testing against various attacks, but about how much defensive power it has against a specific attack.
"Io, preparations are complete."
"Same here, Mr. Io."
Garon and I, wrapped in auras with earth attributes, informed Io.
Io, with an unusual lack of confidence, smiled wryly and nodded.
"Thunder magic-like special attributes are tough for me..."
he muttered in a weak tone.
Seeing Io like that, I suddenly remembered the rumors about him.
Io Suleiman's Job is, as you know, the 'Sage'.
The performance of that Job is exceptional, capable of handling all magic attributes except for Space magic.
Just hearing that, one might think the 'Sage' is overwhelmingly powerful compared to other magician Jobs... but that's not the truth. Rather, it's the opposite.
When Io was still an Advanced Explorer, he awakened to the Unique Job 'Sage' and was called by this nickname.
They say... "Talented but Poor", that is.
I think I mentioned that magicians acquire "techniques" instead of skills. And these "techniques" can be acquired in a limited number, not infinitely. And compared to other Unique Jobs, the 'Sage' doesn't particularly acquire more "techniques".
In fact, it's about twice as many as other Unique Jobs.
That's the number of "techniques" the 'Sage' can acquire.
Considering the number of magic attributes he can use, one'll soon realize it. The 'Sage' job is unusual compared to other magician jobs, with an extremely low number of "spell formulas" that can be used for each magic attribute.
That's why everything might end up being half-baked.
The 'Sage' job is a "misfit job" that carries such risks.
However, Io has made tremendous efforts to overturn that evaluation. He's done everything possible, from increasing the speed of magic construction to selecting attributes that can gain a clear advantage over enemies, and even using massive magical energy and fusion of multiple attributes to compensate for the lack of "extension formulas".
As a result, Io is now renowned as one of the top practical magicians in Necronia.
――However, there's a limit to that.
When using attack magic that focuses on a single attribute, Io can't compare to specialized Unique Jobs magicians. Especially when it comes to special attribute magic like Ice and Snow, Thunder, and Gravity, Io has very few acquired "extension formulas", which he finds difficult to handle.
That's why I, who have explored with him many times, have never seen him use those magic.
But――it's rare to find a magician who can use Thunder magic in the first place.
This time's performance test required Io's cooperation as well.
"Hey, in our clan, only Io can use Thunder magic, right? Please do your best. Take as much time as you need to prepare."
"Alright... then I'll try to build magic worthy of the test."
Io nodded, and began to pour massive magical energy into his "Holy Tree Staff" with both hands.
"Whoa, you're really getting into it, aren't you?"
I couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
If he pours that much magical energy, even Beginner magic would become incredibly powerful. Well, to strengthen magic by pouring in magical energy, one needs various elements such as simply adding an expansion formula, precise control of magical energy, or maintaining a robust spell combination. It's unexpectedly difficult technology.
"That's right, Aaron."
"What's up?"
Io suddenly spoke with an attitude as if he had just remembered something.
Meanwhile, the magical energy pouring into the staff didn't stop at all. ...Wait, isn't that too much magical energy?
"There's no need to say this now, but let me say it."
"What's going on?"
Io smiled faintly.
"I thought I had already reached my limit with your ridiculous training method, but I realized I can still grow..."
In fact, the "Limit Mark" was already floating on Io's left hand. That was even before the formation of the ≪Labyrinth Conquest Team≫.
And because the "Limit Symbol" appeared on him, Io might have thought that he couldn't grow any stronger...
"Yeah... it's a bit embarrassing to say this, but... I'm really happy that I can grow stronger. And it's all thanks to you, Aaron. Thanks."
"H-Hey, stop it! You're making me blush..."
When Io thanked me directly, I couldn't help but feel my cheeks turn red.
What's up with Io? Did he really think that way about me? Saying thanks again like that is so... mushy...
"And, Aaron. Your crazy training methods, trying to make a high-quality wooden sword, that's why the training load has increased endlessly, and I've come to understand that it's also what makes the training more efficient..."
Io gazed off into the distance, pouring magical energy into the "Holy Tree Staff". The amount of magical energy was so great that a normal magician wouldn't be able to withstand it, and the magic formula would collapse.
Crisp, crisp――and, like a precursor discharge, thin lightning bolts began to run wildly around the "Holy Tree Staff".
Huh, I guess, his magical energy is already depleted, right?
"Uh, Mr... Io?"
"――But."
Even when I called out to him, Io didn't respond. He was completely absorbed in his own world, with a dreamy gaze and continued speaking.
"For people like you and Lady Fiona who like wooden swords, it might be fine, but for someone like me who's not interested in wooden swords, the increasing burden is just painful. We just formed a clan and it's still early days, but it feels like we've only been making wooden swords lately. Like yesterday night, I even made wooden swords in my dreams..."
"Mr. Io? Mr. Io? Wait, just... hold on..."
The next instant, Io's calm expression changed completely.
Like an explosion, he shouted in a fierce voice.
"――My identity is shaking!! I'm not a Wooden Swordsmith! I'm an explorer! I'm a magician! What's going on?! What was that yesterday?!"
"Uh, what do you mean...?"
I was unintentionally intimidated.
This phenomenon is, well, you know. When a normally calm person gets angry, it's scary.
"It's already decided!! It's an interview! Interview!! What did you intend to do when you accepted the interview? And it's a wooden sword specialty magazine, to boot!? You're kidding me!! Our clan isn't a wooden sword workshop!!"
"Well, Mr. Tyler has been taking care of us for a while, and I couldn't refuse... and we also got help from him to obtain a large quantity of 'Earth Elemental Treant's core wood'..."
"Shut up!! Who cares about that!!"
"What!!"
Is this guy crazy!? Is it pointless to try to reason with someone who's angry?!
As I was thinking that, Io's attitude suddenly changed back to being calm.
"――Anyway, I've said a lot, but there's only one thing I want to say."
I guess he felt relieved after venting his frustration.
Io floated a gentle smile and poured magical energy into the staff, raising it to the sky.
"Aaron... Die!!"
――What!? Why!?
Right after Io's intense scream, the magic was activated.
Thunder magic――[Infinity Thunderbolt]
This was a Thunder magic developed as an anti-army magic in a certain country.
To be honest, its power couldn't compare to the Thunder magic cast by the abnormal Nord, but in terms of continuously attacking a wide range, this one surpassed it.
Hundreds of lightning bolts rained down from the sky.
It was a scene like the end of the world.
If he had cast this magic in the guild's training grounds, I wonder how many casualties there would be.
Good thing it was in the labyrinth.
――I didn't even have the luxury to think such a thing, and the torrent of lightning attacked without mercy.
Right before that, Garon, who was standing next to me, looked at me and shouted.
"This is it, I'm completely done for!!"
By the way.
The performance test of "Rock Iron" was more than sufficient.
If it were a normal [Aura Armor], I would've been dead.
* * *
"Damn, what did I do? He got a terrible look..."
The performance test of "Rock Iron" somehow ended safely, and I returned from the labyrinth, walking powerlessly in the evening sun of Necronia.
That Io guy must have been under more stress than I imagined.
After casting magic with all his might, he had a relieved face, but I never thought he would drop lightning for over 5 minutes.
Well, anyway.
At least "Rock Iron" and "Earth Crystal Shield" demonstrated sufficient performance for exploring the 47th floor, so I'll be happy about that for now.
I forced myself to focus on the positive results and somehow made it back home.
I opened the front door and entered the house――and suddenly, footsteps came pattering from the inner rooms.
"Aaron, welcome back."
"Oh, yeah, Fiona. Did you come..."
The owner of the footsteps was Fiona.
After preparing the clan's workshop, Fiona still comes to work in this atelier. That's because Fiona has currently graduated from using ordinary Alvhelm materials and can now create "Black Radiance" with the "Elder Treant's Core Wood".
Although the decorations are still lacking, she has already succeeded in creating a "Black Radiance" with sufficient performance as a sword.
If she improves a bit more, she might even be able to acquire the [Hand of Meister] skill, maybe?
Fiona's skills as a Wooden Swordsmith have already reached that level, and she can't be taught alongside other clan members.
Moreover, Fiona herself is full of enthusiasm, and she even comes to my atelier outside of clan activities to receive my advice, and often stays overnight just like before.
So, it's not strange at all that Fiona is here――
"What about the performance test of the new wooden sword?"
"Ah, yeah... no problems, it seems usable even at the 47th floor."
As I replied, I couldn't take my eyes off Fiona's figure.
――Thump, thump.
My heart is racing.
And that small racing heartbeat was growing bigger every second.
"What's wrong?"
Fiona tilted her head, looking puzzled at me, who was staring intensely at her.
"N-no..."
I inadvertently stuttered.
What's wrong with me? Why is my heart beating so fiercely? When I look at Fiona today, my heartbeat is loud, fierce, and big.
I'm worried that the sound of my heartbeat might be heard by Fiona, who's right next to me.
Thump, thump, thump.
The intense, painful heartbeat. It's suffocating. Yet, I can't avert my gaze from Fiona. As I forcibly took a breath, trying to calm my tension, the familiar scent of Fiona mixed with a different aroma that stimulated my nostrils.
I carefully squeezed out my voice, trying not to reveal my trembling lips.
"That, it suits you."
"Ah, this? Hehe, I bought it the other day."
Fiona, who was praised, looked down at my body and then laughed with confidence.
"Yeah, that's right..."
No way. My breathing is getting out of control. I'm already reaching my limit of self-restraint.
I'm tempted to pounce on Fiona right now, pin her down, and make her unable to move. If I had some rope nearby, or even just in my storage ring, I might have tried to bind her against her will.
I want to pin her down, bind her, and cover her soft lips so she can't make a sound.
"We've been talking at the entrance for too long, let's go inside already."
"Ah, yeah, that's right..."
Fiona turned around, showing me her defenseless back.
I unconsciously reached out my hand, but I managed to pull it back with my willpower.
Her red ponytail was swaying. Every time it did, I caught a glimpse of her unexpectedly slender neck and alluring nape. Her shoulders were delicate, and I thought that if I pushed her down, I could easily bind her.
But that's just a fantasy. Fiona's physical abilities as a combat-oriented Unique Job far surpass mine as a Basic Job. There's no way I could bind her easily.
"Haah, haah, haah...!!"
But even so, my hand still tried to reach out unconsciously――
"Ah, yeah."
Fiona turned around, looking pleased with herself.
"Dinner is ready, by the way."
She said, wearing an unfamiliar apron for cooking, not the thick work apron I was used to seeing her in.
There was a strange, unfamiliar aroma wafting through the house.
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