Chapter 204: The Completion of the Blade
As we gathered various metals, we ventured deeper into the cavern than usual. The further we went, the more adamantite we could mine, but perhaps it didn’t matter much to us. Still, the sparse population around here was a definite advantage, allowing us to operate without concern.
“By the way, do you think the person following us is just someone whose destination happens to be the same as ours?”
“Huh?”
“Is someone actually following us?”
“It’s not just my imagination, right?”
Though the two of them seemed oblivious, Rio appeared to sense something as well. I thought it was bold of them to follow us so openly, but it seemed they were at least attempting to remain hidden. I hadn’t really considered it before, but perhaps my detection abilities were indeed quite sharp.
“I don’t know what they want, but given the Thieves’ Guild situation, I think I should ask them directly why they’re here.”
It would be a hassle if we were caught off guard like with Phonia and they managed to escape. Besides, this presence felt reminiscent of the spy we encountered in the Thieves’ Guild back then.
“First strike is the best strategy.”
“Yeah. Once we turn the next corner, we’ll spring the trap. You all keep moving ahead.”
“Understood!”
“Got it!”
“Woof!”
The narrow, dark corridor was a single path. Although we had light illuminating our surroundings, stepping even a little away from it would plunge us into darkness. As we rounded the corner, I focused on blocking all signs of my presence, including any magic power leaking into the air. My companions glanced back at me in surprise, but I remained where I was.
“Alright, I’m off.”
I waited for the pursuer to quicken their pace before casting Teleport. Naturally, I appeared right behind them. Since it wasn’t a direct ambush, I simply intended to engage them in conversation. A small-statured man came into view. He was about my height, but I could see ears protruding from the top of his head.
Before I spoke, I quickly assessed him.
＝＝＝＝＝
Name: Shout
Race: Mousekin
Occupation: Spy
Status: Normal
Status: HP 1293
MP 465
Strength 587
Vitality 856
Agility 1045
Dexterity 1154
Mental Strength 465
Magic Power 365
Luck 643
＝＝＝＝＝
Yep, he was definitely the spy from back then. It was amusing that someone with such a loud name was a spy. But what on earth could he want?
Perhaps sensing my presence had vanished, he hastened his steps toward the corner. Slowly peeking around, he began to observe Rio and the others.
“If you’re going to follow us, at least try to be a bit more discreet.”
“—!?”
As I quietly approached and spoke, the man let out a soundless scream and stumbled backward. I didn’t expect a response and had no intention of conversing, so I simply ignored him. Waving my hand dismissively, I turned my back to him and walked back to rejoin Rio.
“How did it go?”
“It was a spy from the Thieves’ Guild.”
“Is that so…? I wonder what they wanted?”
Ivan tilted his head in confusion, and I shared his sentiment. Did they really think they could tail us without being noticed? Well, they must have thought so, or they wouldn’t have tried to follow us.
“For now, it seems they’ve retreated, so let’s focus on gathering metals.”
After that, we gathered adamantite and other metals without further interruptions. With satisfied expressions, the two of us spent the next two days completing the adamantite weapons.
“This is Ivan’s spear.”
“Whoa, this is amazing…”
It was a two-meter-long spear made entirely of adamantite, with the grip wrapped in the hide of a Great Dragon for better handling.
“Oh, it has some heft to it.”
Muttering that, he stepped into the yard to test it out, swinging the spear around.
We had also crafted our own swords. Rio had three blades of varying lengths. The longest one was meant to be wielded with both hands. Though she was a magic user, her love for swords allowed her to choose as she pleased. I wondered if she intended to use a three-sword style, but it seemed she would store the unused ones in her Dimensional Box for easy switching.
Each blade had orichalcum embedded in the grooves, allowing them to fully utilize their magical functions. The scabbards were also carved with grooves and filled with orichalcum, with the grooves being narrower and more plentiful at the tips. While it was possible to activate magic remotely without tools, having them certainly made things easier.
“Swords really are cool.”
I liked swords too, though not as much as Rio. I often read manga about wandering swordsmen staying at dojos. The art of the swift draw is just so appealing. Even with gauntlets equipped, I could still wield a sword, and with an adamantite blade, I wondered if I could slice through the Shell of the Sea Emperor Turtle effectively. Until now, I had only been able to destroy it physically, but if I could cut it, there might be new uses for the shell. Perhaps I should train specifically in slashing techniques.
“So, you’re using two swords, Shuu?”
“Yeah. I thought it would be nice to use the gauntlet as a shield while attacking with the sword.”
Of course, my swords were also embedded with orichalcum. I had a short wakizashi and a regular-length katana sheathed at my waist.
“Focusing on destructive power, huh…”
Rio shivered as if she had seen something terrifying, but she herself had the sniping magic that took down the Sea Emperor Turtle. Given her magic power, it was certain that her attacks were more potent than mine.
“Alright, our gear is all set. Next, let’s head to the top of that slope.”
“Yeah!”
We were headed to the mountain peak near the Adventurer’s Guild, where A and B Rank quests were plentiful. It was rumored that wyverns and chimeras could be seen there, and I was looking forward to seeing what they looked like.