Volume 2 3 — Part 2(2/2)
“If you think about it, it seems like it would favor the long-lived species such as elves and pixies. But they are not able to do it.”
If the Pixie and Elf species existed in reality, they would not be suited for being blacksmiths in the first place.
In other words, raising two jobs together and so on was an unbelievable act of sheer madness for the residents of this world. Shin was able to do it because it had only been a game. Using items every time to gain a proficiency bonus and learning skills from using secret books, there stood Shin today only because he had spent the time to strengthen himself.
And even that took a tremendous amount of time. It was impossible to do the same thing in the daily life of this world.
“I’m aware of it. The members of Rokuten are strong in various ways. It is quite normal that even I am not a match for them, except for in blacksmithing. Cain could build a castle in a day, Cook could make a dish from dragons, Cashmere raised a monster ranch before anyone knew it, Hecate produced Elixirs and Philosopher stones, and made a load of low grade potions by mood. Also, Reed’s puppets were able to exchange blows with divine beasts.”
“Shin has produced several holy swords and cursed sword types. And if you don’t like an 《Ancient》 grade sword, he and Filma will melt it down to avoid complaints.”
Schnee expressed a wry smile as she remembered those days. It didn’t matter if it was a 《Legend》 grade or a 《Mythology》 grade, he would just do it over again if he was not satisfied.
By the way, Filma was Shin’s no. 2 support character. Incidentally, Shin, who recalled that time, was strangely discouraged.
“That sure is a damn dramatical way to improve oneself. I mean, your specialty is blacksmith, huh?”
“That’s right. Do you want me to restructure your 『Venom』 ?”
“Are you kidding me?!”
Kukuku. Shin, who now had a suspicious voice with a grinning face, forced Wilhelm to reply right away. He seemed to give off a bad feeling somehow or another.
“Please tell me if you’re not satisfied. If it’s Wilhelm, I will reinforce it for a bargain price.”
“Oi, Why are you making a face like a shady merchant?”
“Iyaa, how should I put it, it’s just my blacksmith’s blood getting excited?”
“..Oh, your profession is certainly a craftsman. That face looks like a dwarf’s boss in a hot-iron room, now that I think about it.”
In any world too, it seemed like people with similar occupations all resembled each other in speech and action. The face of some dwarf craftsmen when they saw 『Venom』 appeared in Wilhelm’s mind clearly.
They have the eyes of children that have just found their new toy as it glitters, much like the eyes of Shin just now.
“Even so, you need a blacksmith’s forge to showcase your skills, don’t you? Though you are different than the others, a weapon cannot be made using secrets or a lost secret arts thing, you know?”
“I’m not like some fake blacksmith!! I only intend to hold a hammer after such a long absence from Tsuki no Hokora.”
“I know you will be able to make something. From the story of a craftsman, whom I am indebted to, the longsword produced by Rokuten’s blacksmith was of 《Normal》 grade, but was on equal terms with a 《Legend》 grade sword.”
Of course, Wilhelm was not a child to believe such a story. In a sense, 《Normal》 grade and 《Legend》 grade have different performance standards that couldn’t be compared with each other.
“It is indeed..no, wait. Now that you mention it, there was a time when I tested how far I could strengthen a 《Normal》 grade weapon.”
“Oi..you are joking, aren’t you?”
When Wilhelm reflectively asked that question in return, Schnee also opened her mouth to talk.
“Wasn’t that the experiment you conducted that was suggested by both Reed-sama and Hecate-sama?
“That’s right. If I’m not mistaken, only suitable and prepared iron can be enchanted. It’s the kind that could only be made by using the best facilities available at that time. I put it in the store by mistake, I wonder if the buyer was surprised and spread that information.”
“..What the heck is that!”
By the way, the buyer bought it as a present for a beginner who had just begun to play the game. And it was discovered by players passing by, as monsters that should not able to be defeated by a beginner were being killed in one hit. When watched from the side, the monsters gave off a feeling of being awfully weak. The buyer thought it was just a normal longsword and didn’t notice it because they didn’t check the stats on the weapon.
“I was astonished that an amazing thing could be made at that time. However, because the material was iron, the durability is inferior by all means. I made several of them, and started to test them, or should I say crossed swords. They broke after striking each other about 10-20 times.”
“I would think, it’s damn weird, when it was possible to exchange blows at that time.”
As if to say he couldn’t comprehend Shin’s common sense, Wilhelm held his head with one hand. The grade of the weapon should not be sweet enough that even a blacksmith’s skill could enhance it this way.
“Ah, I understand it well. You are definitely a High Human. The common sense here just continues to break down since a while ago.”
“Because it is my Master, the current common sense does not work.”
“Kuu~Kuu~”
“No, that’s not a compliment.”
To the proud looking Schnee and the agreeing Yuzuha, Wilhelm retorted while being astounded. He seemed to still be a little confused as he didn’t notice how Yuzuha had reacted, as if it understood the words.
Schnee seemed to be boasting, probably because it was about the legend of Shin.
“Nh..Ngh?”
When Wilhelm was about to sigh, Rashia who had been sleeping on the side woke up. They apparently had made too much noise. It was too loud for her to continue sleeping.
“Eh?..Shin, san?”
“Yo.”
“Ah! Hello..why are you here!?”
Rashia, who was still half asleep, recognized someone with a glance before raising her voice. She was certain that this man had remained with the flock of monsters to let them get away. Even Yuzuha, who was on top of his head, was still the same as before.
“I somehow made it here.”
“Eh..?”
Rashia looked like she wanted to say, “What is he saying?” as she faced toward Wilhelm.
Wilhelm caught the gaze and responded.
“Apparently, an ally happened to pass by.”
Wilhelm said that while glancing at Shin and Schnee, as if his eyes said to Shin “Don’t you dare tell this girl.”
Because Shin also intended to conceal the fact about him being a High Human from Rashia, he gave a small nod. Unlike Wilhelm who had some connection to Rashia, who was a commoner, she couldn’t guess the identity of Shin from Schnee’s attitude. Though there was no problem if it was known, it was still dangerous just to know that valuable information. A possible information leak may cause Rashia misfortune..
So Wilhelm decided to modify the story to one where just an ally happened to pass by.
Incidentally about Wilhelm, Schnee was the companion who had handed over the letter of introduction to him, so he didn’t have to worry.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Schnee Raizar. I am the acting manager of Tsuki no Hokora.”
“Thank you for the polite words. I am called Rashia Luzel..um, what did you say just now?”
Rashia asked Schnee again as if she had heard something impossible.
Of course she had heard it, she just couldn’t believe it.
“Because it’s Schnee Raizar. You know. It’s that Schnee Raizar.”
“..That?”
“Oh, it’s you!”
Schnee raised her eyebrow a little.
“Though it sounds like the meaning is not very positive for some reason.”
Even though her name meant a good thing in this world, it was still a mystery how it could also have a strange meaning when people kept saying it.
“Just make up your damn mind. Look! Rashia, come back to yourself!”
“E-Errr, I’m Rashia! It’s an honor to meet zuu! ..uu”
“Yes, I hope to get along with you.”
Schnee replied as if Rashia biting her tongue didn’t happen.
“I was only able to defeat those monsters thanks to Schnee helping out. You don’t have to worry about anything.”
“Did you defeat all of the monsters!? A-As expected from the 『Saint』-sama.”
“Saint?”
Shin was trying to emphasize the achievements of Schnee, but had a question about the unfamiliar word.
“Ah, I’m sorry. Schnee-sama never accepted it.”
“Didn’t accept it?”
Shin looked at Schnee unintentionally.
“I received a communication acknowledging me as a Saint from the church headquarters previously. Although I declined it.”
“Was there any problem in accepting it?”
“Yes. I don’t have any intention to be affiliated with influence somewhere just because I served with the High Humans. However, when the title of Saint arrived, because there is the possibility that I would naturally end up with some church influence, I didn’t accept it. I thought it was already forgotten about because it has been more than 100 years, but it seems they still haven’t given up yet.”
It was indeed unexpected, Schnee sighed as she was disgruntled.
Although the church recognized her as a Saint, it was meaningless if she didn’t accept it.
For Shin to meddle in the church’s internal politics would be more than a petty complication, it was completely contrary to his goal. Religion was something which was troublesome through all the ages. When thinking about these kinds of things, Schnee smiled at Rashia.
“You can call me Schnee, it’s no problem.”
“S-Such a thing! It’s too much.”
“You’re too tense!”
“Will, that is too much, too!”
Though it was somewhat exaggerated, Shin thought it was the correct reaction.
Shin, personally, was Schnee’s long-time acquaintance, and Wilhelm had a character that didn’t hold much back. Therefore they could talk normally. However, as Tiera said before, even children knew the name Schnee; she was very popular.
If that person was in front of someone normal, they would probably react this way, too.
“Oi, come on! Don’t we have to go soon? There’s no need to rest here, right?.”
Shin and Schnee hadn’t taken much of a break, and Wilhelm understood that much.
“That’s right, we should go then.”
Shin spoke while standing up with Schnee. They were able to leave without any problems, and since there were orphanage matters too, it was better to rush.
Rashia began to tidy up the bedding in a hurry as well. Though Rashia didn’t understand the significance of the details of the incident, for the time being she understood the explanation about how it was solved by Schnee. It didn’t mean that she had forgotten the fear of when they were surrounded by monsters, but Rashia might believe that there was nothing impossible for this person.
According to a commoner such as Rashia, Schnee Raizar was a living legend. A heroine and a saint, who had been protecting this land for more than 500 years.
There was a trust that was close to faith.
“Well, the reliance is greater than I thought.”
Shin talked to himself, as he saw the expression full of trust in Schnee on Rashia’s face. It was easy to imagine that it would become outrageous if Schnee walked together with him. It might be difficult even if it was only to buy something.
He sighed and decided to carefully make the disguise.
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Wilhelm carried Rashia, as Shin and Schnee maintained their speed to match up with them. No matter how much her level had risen, it would be a significant burden on Rashia if she had to run with all her effort.
That speed couldn’t be compared with a horse. Even though they took a break on the way, the four people arrived at the location where they were able to see the kingdom’s town before sunset.
They walked from there because it would be difficult if they caused others to be cautious of them as they were going to a place with public eyes.
“Ugh, I feel like vomiting..”
“Come on, I carried you on my back, so endure it.”
Rashia, who was not used to high speed travel while being carried by someone, had her complexion worsen, like she was having motion sickness. Since it was cruel to let her walk as it was, Wilhelm carried her on his back.
“Are you alright?”
Schnee called out kindly.
“Don’t worry, I will put up with it..”
“That’s serious.”
Shin let out a small sigh.
Because potions didn’t work on motion sickness, the party proceeded after she said so.
Schnee had already changed her appearance using a magic skill before being perceived by the public. Her blue eyes turned red, her silver hair changed to blonde, and she now had a ponytail hairstyle. Several other skills were applied besides that.
Since Shin personally applied the magic, it would never be discovered unless in an extreme circumstance. From the beginning, just transforming a woman’s hairstyle and her impression made her significantly different. If her hair color and eyes were changed, even humans who were used to seeing Schnee would not notice it immediately.
“Just to confirm, it’s okay if we separate in front of the gate?”
“I don’t mind. The request was originally until she learned the skill. There’s no need to bother walking us to the church, too. If something does happen at the church, it’s for us to manage.”
“That tone that doesn’t match with your honest side is the same as always.”
Schnee showed a wry smile while speaking to Wilhelm.
“Dammit, leave me alone!”
They joked around while approaching the gate. Even though Wilhelm said that something might have already happened, Shin expanded his perception range to the orphanage, and confirmed everyone was safe. Of course, there were no signs of any uninvited guests either.
“Then, we will walk together up until we get there. I will give you this just in case. Please contact me if anything happens.”
When they arrived at the gate, Shin presented the message card and the letter paper.
However, Wilhelm who saw that, tried to refuse.
“This is the item that transfers a message, huh? If it turns into a situation where I need to use this, I won’t choose to do so. What if I involve you and something happens?”
“Moreover, it only puts you at a disadvantage.” those were the words left unsaid, but expressed through Wilhelm’s eyes as he told Shin, and his intention to have Shin stay out of it could be sensed.
No matter how similar Shin was to a chosen one, or as a similar fellow who was recognized by Tsuki no Hokora, Wilhelm didn’t intend to involve a companion who had merely received the request. There were possibilities of Shin being marked by the church when he received enough requests. If the message card was handed over and used, that alone was unjustifiable. He had already expected that Wilhelm would say that.
If something were to happen without Shin being involved, like the situation earlier, there was the high possibility that it couldn’t be solved, or it would become more disastrous. Even still, that man couldn’t approve of it.
Rashia, who was being carried on Wilhelm’s back, didn’t say anything either.
They themselves were going to challenge the enemy; who had power, money, and ability.
Schnee Raizar and her master. It should not be shameful in any way if they requested help from a companion with unparalleled power and fame in this world. But in this case, they kept their problems to themselves till the very end.
Though the request for 【Purification】 was just recently put out, it was already over, too. If possible, Wilhelm would settle it by himself from here-on. That belief became a wall that stood between Shin and Wilhelm.
“It’s fine. Take it.”
Shin forced the message card onto Wilhelm. He was saying to ignore the invisible wall between them.
“I will feel bad if I neglect you both from here on.”
“But――”
“Besides!”
Wilhelm tried to say something, but was interrupted by Shin.
“When I first came here, those children only tried to protect each other and their friends. I will not abandon them. Thus, when the chips are down, I will help.”
“You..what are you saying..”
“You can contact me without worrying about a thing. Take it quickly! It’s becoming a little embarrassing to say anymore!!”
He felt embarrassed about the lines which he had never uttered before, even in the real world. It was guaranteed that he would groan in agony once he thought about it later. Am I such a passionate guy? No doubt he would question himself.
But remorse would not do either.
Even if this world was a different world for him, there was nothing wrong with his choice. Believing so, Shin handed over the items.
“Then, I shouldn’t hold back?”
“Yeah, don’t worry about it.”
Wilhelm, who was broadly grinning, received the message card at last.
“Shin too, still the same as ever.”
“Is that so?”
Schnee said while seeing Wilhelm and Rashia off toward the gate. It was because there was a situation resembling such a thing before.
Though Shin showed a reaction of not remembering, Schnee clearly recalled the figure of Shin that had helped some strangers before, like just now.
They were a little girl whose eyes were swollen with tears, a young boy who was dumbstruck, and an old man who was going to sacrifice himself and desperately tried to go ahead of the young boy. There was no discrimination at all.
‘It’s impossible for me to save everyone, but there is no other way but to try to do it.’
When Shin talked like that.
Schnee was able to recall clearly, even now, the figure that was almighty, but didn’t act like it, and continued to protect the weak.
“What’s the matter, Schnee? Let’s move on.”
“I’m sorry, I was lost in my thoughts for a moment. I’m coming now.”
Schnee walked while looking at Shin’s back. After advancing for a while, they almost came to their destination.
Shin tilted his head when he looked at Schnee with side glances, but without pointing it out, the two people moved one step closer to Tsuki no Hokora.
Schnee’s face, when captured in Shin’s line of sight, had a very calm and gentle facial expression.
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