[Hanami Sasaki's perspective]
Alan continued to carry me on his back as I walked toward the portal station. We hadn't spoken for a while so as not to upset each other, but now that I think about it,
How had my wounds been healed?
I highly doubted Alan had the healing magic to heal my body. I didn't speak for a long time until my curiosity got the better of me.
-Hey, idiot... Why are my wounds completely healed?-
-Huh? Can't you guess with your poor brain?-
-Because you're offending me if I didn't tell you anything?-
-For calling me an idiot-
-Seriously, tell me-
-I used my healing potion to heal your wounds-
-What?-
I couldn't believe he'd spent a potion, but suddenly a silver glow lit up in Alan's pocket. Upon closer inspection, I saw it was a small vial of potion.
What Alan told me was the purest truth.
-Hey, about your brother...-
I began to squeeze his shoulders tightly while I laid a sharp gaze on him. No matter how bad I am, I will not listen to him speak ill of my brother.
-If you dare to say...-
-I'm sorry!-
The idiot had interrupted me.
I was confused for a moment by his words. The little strength I'd mustered in my hands to squeeze his shoulders vanished. The boy sighed and spoke.
-I'm sorry... I didn't know he was dead-
-Do you think a simple apology will make me forgive you?-
-I'm not asking you to forgive me now, but I just want you to tone it down a bit, that's all-
Those words that the boy I despised so much said left me stunned, the sincerity in his words was indisputable
The feeling was strange, that boy who I considered an idiot and the most hateful being on the planet to the point that I considered him my nemesis was someone capable of easily admitting his mistakes, at first out of hatred I believed he was a Daemon and I was his mere prey, but it was not like that we simply started off on the wrong foot
Helping me and defending me against the Daemon along with the apology he gave my suspicions about him vanished, now he was not so bad in my eyes, he was just a little less hateful, but that does not mean that I do not dislike him
-Ha, I won't forgive you so easily, you'll still have to wait-
-Yes, yes... Oh by the way, how many animals did you hunt?-
-I only hunted 3, if we counted the Daemon it would be 4-
-Hey, but what a loser I killed 5 animals... so the prize is mine Hahaha!!-
The idiot started laughing, his ego soaring.
I completely take it back. The small trace of respect vanished like a candle flame.
This arrogant being didn't deserve any of my respect; he was just a crazy man with strong desires.
-You're a very unpleasant guy... just tell me what you want me to do tomorrow-
Alan's face broke into a smile, a mix of joy and pure evil. I could hear him humming in the air. He took a notebook and pencil out of his pocket and began to write quickly until he tore off a sheet of paper and gave it to me.
-This is what I want. I hope you can fulfill it-
*250 kg of magic steel
*19 thousand dollars
*A Unique-rank hammer
He asked for three rather expensive things, so much so that my dad would notice the expense I incurred and lecture me all night.
-Hey, that's a lot!-
-What are you saying, rich girl?! I only asked for a little, magic steel sells for tons!-
-But 19 thousand dollars and a unique-rank hammer?!-
-I don't care, just give me that, and I won't force you to do anything tomorrow!-
Alan complained, ordering me to keep my promise.
I thought things over. He helped me, and what I was asking for was close to the amount of money my father allowed me to spend. He was the one who helped me, and I even won the bet fairly. I'm a woman of my word, and I'll keep my promise to the end.
***
[Alan Harwey's Perspective] [9:30 p.m.]
After walking around, we arrived at the gate station with Hanami.
Fortunately, there were no people around, so I put Hanami on a bench.
-I'm leaving-
-What? Hey, are you going to abandon me?-
-I can't take you with me. Call your dad and get treatment at the hospital-
-Hey, take me! Aak!-
Hanami tried to get up, but fell forward. After looking at her in that state, I couldn't stop laughing internally.
But now that I remembered, her father was an important businessman, so he was a busy man.
I started to lift her up and put her back on the bench.
-Call one of your assistants or butlers and tell them to drop you off at the hospital-
-…Okay, you can go-
The girl replied curtly.
After that, I started walking, but she called me.
-Wait!-
-Now what?!-
-I'll tell you how you saved me... I suspect Shiva thinks you're a Daemon-
The girl spoke nervously while humming.
-What? Is she stupid? I'm not a Daemon-
-You must already know her for her superiority complex, but I'll just tell you this: be careful with her. After this incident, I think she may have strong suspicions about you and won't hesitate to attack-
After nodding at her words, I turned to the portal employee. Hanami is a woman of her word, and I know she'll hand over the materials along with the money... I hope she does and doesn't resent me.
After that, I entered the portal
But...
"Are you so evil as to leave a defenseless girl here alone without any protection?"
«Of course... after all, I didn't like that girl, and she's not defenseless at all, and I already apologized, what more do you want?»
"You remind me of some green human garbage."
After frowning at my companion's words, I decided to ignore him for the rest of the night.
**
The next day
*Ding Dong
Someone rang my bedroom doorbell. I went outside and saw a robot leaving me a large box along with a note.
*Idiot, I hope you're satisfied*
I already knew who this letter was from. I couldn't help but get angry, but the reward was good, so I'll ignore it.
Upon opening the box, I could see the magic steel that shone like silver, along with the 19,000 dollars, and the Unique-rank hammer.
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Expert Blacksmith's Hammer
Type: [Crafting]
Rank: Unique
This hammer was crafted from the highest quality magic steel. If the user is talented in blacksmithing, the chance of the weapon created reaching epic rank will increase by 30%, depending on luck.
Skills: [Crafting (B)] [Blacksmith's Luck (B)]
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-It was worth saving her-
"Okay, now you can use the blacksmith's shop"
I pulled out a key from a drawer. It was the forge key. I approached the forge door. Now that I had the materials, I could use my talent.
I started loading the materials and the hammer. I stood in front of the door just to open the forge room.
The whole place was clean. I filled the area with water and checked the magic sharpener to make sure it was in good condition. After a while, everything inside the forge was ready.
"Listen to me, Alan. You've studied the process of forging weapons, but you've never put it into practice. From now on, you'll have to hammer the metal. First, melt the metal"
I nodded at my partner's words and began to throw a fireball toward the furnace, causing it to ignite.
Everything around me quickly increased in temperature. I added the magic steel and began to heat it. According to my calculations, this heat should now be close to 1,200 degrees Celsius.
"You have to make the metal incandescent, but it shouldn't melt"
I nodded at my partner's words and waited until the metal became hot enough to mold.
Once I saw that the steel was heated, I placed it on the anvil and struck it with the hammer...
Sparks flew around, the acrid smell of hot metal, but with the sweat, it made me feel good.
"Hit the metal with a steady, powerful rhythm"
I hit and hit the metal. I felt Nameless telling me, I was beginning to see the shape he was giving it. Each blow could be heard inside this workshop. If I could describe it, it was like a heartbeat that gives life to the piece of metal that would soon be a sword.
The sword began to take shape beneath my hands at first, a thick, amorphous bar, being stretched and fine-tuned as the hammer falls and the anvil rumbles.
The fire in the furnace flickers, its tongues of flame licking the steel, fanned by the continuous pumping of the bellows.
The heat was intense, causing me to sweat continuously, but I instinctively knew I shouldn't stop.
The feeling of creating the sword was...
Nostalgia
It was as if I had watched the blacksmithing process over and over again without stopping.
"Now put it in cold water"
With precision, I plunged the sword's blade into a bath of cold water. A violent hiss fills the air as steam rises in white spirals, and the now-hardened sword emits a sharp, metallic sound.
Nameless began to examine the blade, searching for any imperfections.
"Hmm, not bad for your first time. Keep at it, but remember, a sword must be vital to fulfill its purpose"
Nameless praised me, but at the same time, he taught me those words I would never forget.
Next, I began to sharpen the blade using a whetstone, skillfully moving it along the edge of the sword slowly. A line of gleaming edge emerged, reflecting the dim light of the forge.
Finally, I put the finishing touches on the handle and a balanced pommel.
When I held it in my hands, it was beautiful. Strength and beauty rolled into one. The blade gleamed with a cold, deadly glow.
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[Novice Blacksmith's Sword]
Type: [Magic Sword]
Rank: Rare
This sword was forged by a novice blacksmith, but its blade is so excellent that it is believed to be created by a novice. The sword's power will increase by 20% if the wielder is skilled with the sword.
Skills: [Edge (D)]
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It's a shame that my sword has [Edge (D)] but obviously it will be like that since it is the first weapon I create and in the distant future my talent with blacksmithing will increase.
"How did it feel?"
-Incredible, I've never experienced anything like that-
I could still feel the tingling throughout my body as my hands began to shake as if my body demanded I continue.
"Okay, without me, your creation might have had many flaws"
-Well, I have to admit that-
*
Today is Friday, and it's our turn for simulation classes.
In this simulation, our duty is to command a troop of NPCs to victory against an enemy army. The fewer casualties we have, the higher the score.
I was on a mountain range watching my soldiers fight against the enemy army.
The army was made up of knights, mages, and healers to have greater versatility on the battlefield.
-Mages, fire [Magic Missile] at the archers-
—At your command, Commander.
A blue light shot from the wizards' staffs and struck the archers, successfully killing them.
—Oh, my loyal soldiers, lend me your strength to honor our fallen brothers and teach these filthy invaders not to invade our land.
—Yes!!
—Let's show these filthy invaders what we're made of!
-Oblique Formation-
A horizontal line of soldiers gathered, forming two groups: 100 soldiers in front and 100 soldiers behind the soldiers. Some soldiers were badly wounded, so this formation was the best option.
The enemy soldiers began to advance, and quickly, half of the rear soldiers took up positions on the left side.
The front soldiers began to counterattack, preventing them from taking another step.
Thanks to the numerical superiority of the soldiers on the left side, the enemy soldiers began to be pressured by numbers.
In the end, the enemy flank was destroyed.
My soldiers, satisfied with the extermination of the enemy flank, began to surround the remaining enemy soldiers.
Without hesitation, the soldiers began to massacre the invaders, dyeing the mountain ranges red.
The last thing I saw was one last enemy soldier falling to the ground as the life in his eyes faded.
[End Simulation]
[Soldiers Alive: 601/1000]
[Soldiers Fallen: 399]
«I've improved my military strategy at least a Little»
The simulation had ended, and the military tactics teacher was beginning to leave as the end-of-class bell rang throughout the classroom.
-Hey, Alan-
Suddenly, as I took off my virtual reality headset, a voice called out to me.
Without turning around, I could recognize the voice typical of a protagonist. Hajime Aikawa was speaking to me after a long time.
-What's wrong?-
I spoke while putting away the rest of my things.
-Do you remember the message I sent you-
-Message?-
I started to remember until I reached the moment where I had agreed with Hajime for Friday.
-Ah... yes, I remember-
When I finished packing my things, I stood up and we both started leaving the classroom. Hajime began to guide me through the entire academy until we reached a classroom marked 225.
When Hajime opened the door there were many familiar faces, Isaac, Shiva, Damian and Shinji Suzuki, all sitting at a round table
I still had James' magic sword on my back, since Hajime asked me to carry a weapon for what was going to happen, but just in case I took my forged sword so I had two swords in my possession.
-Why did you call me?-
I asked, not knowing what this guy wanted, but apparently this question made Isaac frown. Damian looked at him coldly, making Isaac's expression one of dissatisfaction.
-I haven't told Alan why we're meeting yet-
-So what do you want?-
Hajime started to stand in front of me and then looked me in the face. We were both almost the same size, except I was a little taller than him by just a few inches.
-Alan, you must already know about the missing students, right?-
-Yes, obviously-
Of course I would have known. There have been cases of disappearances lately. Currently, four people have disappeared.
-Why me of all people? I also mean, there's Miguel-
-Miguel's a little busy and said he'd be a little late. He also completely trusted your abilities. Even Hanami herself recommended something that surprised me, since she's not someone I recommend very often-
«The girl recommended me?... well, that gives me a point in my favor, but is it really for that reason?»
I faked a happy smile, Hajime sat at the table not taking his eyes off me and then asked me
-Would you help us?-
-H-Hey, you still haven't answered my question-
-Well, because you showed a lot of skill in the hotel incident, plus you're very smart in class and an adept puzzle-solver, I think having an asset like you would help us find the person responsible for the disappearances faster-
Hajime spoke confidently; there was no hesitation in his voice.
Is that what Rank 1 thinks of me?
Well, it seems this guy is more humble than I thought, and I see he really wants me to help with this case
Um, I don't know. I don't think I can... but if you insist
With this proposal, perhaps I could improve my tarnished reputation and have a life free from the harassment and criticism of my classmates.
Hajime smiled, then brought up yesterday's incident.
-At first, I don't think the Daemon that attacked Hanami is responsible for this incident, but...-
Isaac slammed his seat, interrupting Hajime.
-Hanami?-
Apparently, he didn't like that Hajime was speaking so confidently to the girl.
-Ahem, there's a good chance that Sasaki is the next target of the real culprit, the Daemons follow the orders of the contracted demon, so Dilan's contracted demon will order him to attack Hanami, it makes perfect sense that another Daemon would go after her-
«The theory is good, but... is the demon Dilan made a pact with the same one? The truth is, there's a possibility that the Daemon he contracted with is a different one. We also don't know the name of the demon he made a pact with»
But also because of his attitude, his main target wasn't Hanami, but the bullies led by Isaac Arden. So the theory that Hanami is the next target is ruled out. Even she could defend herself with her unique ability, since she is a full-fledged Daemon hunter.
-Do you have any suspects in mind? Someone you know who's been acting strange recently?-
I don't have anything in mind, but...
Shiva didn't take his eyes off me, I felt his gaze penetrating me and I just remembered Hanami's words: "Shiva is suspicious of you."
Seriously, he's still suspicious at this point. Just because I gained new abilities, he thinks I've joined the demons... this is where his arrogance reaches.
-Excuse me, Hajime, may I leave? I have nothing to do here. Besides, I'm not very popular, nor do I know any of the victims-
-Okay, you can go-
I turned to the door, trying to leave. Isaac's gaze showed contempt and disdain in his eyes, as if I were an insect
I just ignored them and wanted to leave. I felt uncomfortable being here
Before leaving, Shiva spoke
-Wait, Alan Harwey-
-What's wrong?-
At that moment, Shiva smiled dangerously, raising his hand and then pointing at me
-I have a suspect, and that's you-
-What?-