Volume 3 Chapter 12 (2/2)

My ties with this person runs deep. We had a certain incident in the past, however it has long since past.

[I didn’t come here today for me, but to make my companion a piece of equipment.] (Youya)

[Huh? If it isn’t for you, then it’s for this girl? I don’t recognise her face.] (Old-man Dwarf)

[Her name’s Selene. She’s a member of my new party.] (Youya)

I pushed Selene from the back towards the old man as he seems to be scanning every part of her body. However, it wasn’t a look with any ill-intent. Rather, he was evaluating her.

[Hmm.. Well she is definitely a warrior. No half-hearted person would be able to have this kind of body. However, this isn’t enough for me to entrust her my work.] (Old-man Dwarf)

[Then would my words suffice? She is my disciple. And I brought her here as I thought she was worthy of your work.] (Youya)

I declared so as I knew the old man extremely well. I brought Selene here knowing fully well that he was someone who chose his customers.

[I do not doubt you. However, I can’t decide just based on my eyes. Youya, fight this girl. I’ll judge based on the battle.] (Old-man Dwarf)

[I understand. That’s the case, so will you accept the fight Selene?] (Youya)

Selene who was suddenly dragged into the conversation nodded firmly despite her embarrassment.

[I understand. Then I’ll show you my skills. Then, you can make a decision based on that.] (Selene)

For an instant, the corners of the old-man’s lips rose. If she had declined the request, she would had immediately been disqualified. He was a man who valued a person’s skill, but more than that, the person’s heart more than anything. With this, she has passed the first test.

.

.

.

In the courtyard of the old-man’s store, me and Selene were currently having a meeting. We were going to begin a simulated battle similar to the battle we had everyday.

I did not plan to hold back from the start.

In order for Selene to truly blossom, I can’t do such a thing. Without doing so, I wouldn’t be able to let her shine in the spotlight. As a warrior, the only time Selene can shine is in the heat of battle.

[Selene, are you nervous? It looks like your movement is slower than usual.] (Youya)

[I can’t deny that. However… I’ll do my best!] (Selene)

Selene had thrown a harsh attack, attempting to make an opening using her shield. She has grown ever since we had first met. If she hadn’t grown, I would had ended the fight with my fifth attack. However, it wasn’t enough. Selene’s defense was slowly crumbling and eventually, her posture had slipped as I slid my sword past her shield. In response, Selene blocked the attack with her gauntlet, however she had focused too much on the blade. All things considered, it was an excellent choice. After neglecting her legs, It gave me the opening to land the next attack. I crouched while extending my feet, sweeping Selene’s feet clean off the ground as she fell on her back. Then, my wooden sword was placed next to her neck.

[As expected, I couldn’t win the battle. However small, the battle has become closer.] (Selene)

[Yeah. You’re growing day by day. Pretty soon you’ll get a win one day.] (Youya)

I extended my hand to Selene.

[Old-man. How is it? Is she worthy of using your equipment?] (Youya)

[Hmm.. If you want my honest thoughts, she is still too young for my works. She is still several steps behind the people I’ve committed my weapons to.] (Old-man Dwarf)

[I see. It is still impossible then? One day I’ll come back once I’ve matured. At that time, could you reconsider?] (Selene)

It is in this situation where Selene’s character surfaces. She doesn’t cry in her failures, but take pride in it.

[Don’t jump to conclusions. I never said that you aren’t worthy. You are still young, however, above all I pray for everyone to grow as they become accustomed to my works. If Youya’s here, I am sure you will become fully capable of using something that I put my heart and soul into. Well I guess that’s enough. I’ll do it. However, my condition is that you grow into a warrior capable of wielding my equipments. If you can comply with that, I’ll make the best weapon you will ever come across.] (Old-man Dwarf)

Selene took a deep breath after listening to the old-man’s conditions and clenches her fists, nodding with determined eyes.

[I will definitely show you. With the best teacher and the best smith trusted by my master. If I can’t meet your expectations then I will never forgive myself.] (Selene)

That was a powerful declaration. The old-man and I couldn’t help but laugh as our eyes met.

<She’s an amazing disciple isn’t she.> (Youya)

<She is> (Old-man Dwarf)

Just by exchanging looks, we could briefly communicate our thoughts.

[Youya, are there any materials you wish to use?] (Old-man Dwarf)

[Ah there is. It’s a Ruby Jewel and Orichalcum.] (Youya)

[If that’s the case then we can start right away. It’ll probably be done by tomorrow evening. I’ll push my other jobs aside to finish it asap.] (Old-man Dwarf)

The old man disappeared into his store.

[Great for you Selene. You’ll be able to obtain the best weapon in the world.] (Youya)

[Yes. I’m elated. However I’ll have to make sure that my oath will not be broken.] (Selene)

I’m looking forward to seeing the completed product. Until it respawns, there won’t be a boss in the dungeon and we’ll be busy raising our levels. I’ll be sure to return by tomorrow evening. It’ll definitely be completed by then.