Spiegel's eyes widened. "Wait, I know this. It's the same material used for Shana-san's 'Black' armor."
"Seriously? Then its performance is already proven. Nice! This has to be a super rare drop."
"Can it be forged into a blade?" Sterben asked from the side.
Noir made a sour face. "With my current stats, there's no way I can process this... I'm not sure what to do with it."
"I think the only craftsman who could handle this right now is Ikoma-san," Spiegel suggested.
"True..."
Sterben stared at the metal. "If possible, I'd like it made into an estoc."
"Right... Alright, I'll go and talk to Ikoma-san."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. We're not close, but we've met a few times. If he says no, I'll try asking through Sinon."
"Fine. I'll leave it in your hands."
"Any specific requests?"
"Well..." Sterben gave specific instructions regarding the size and balance. He was careful not to make it look too much like the weapon he used to use; he didn't want anything that could lead back to his old identity.
After discussing their cover story, Spiegel headed straight for Ikoma's workshop.
"Ikoma-san! I have something I'd like to consult with you about."
"Oh, Spiegel-kun. What's up? If you're coming to me, it must be gear-related. Did you get a good drop?"
"Yes. This..."
"Whoa! Nice one!" Ikoma, having handled the material many times before, recognized it instantly. "So, what's the plan? You're not putting this on a car, are you? Armor?"
"Actually, I'd like a sword... specifically, an estoc. Can you do it?"
Ikoma narrowed his eyes at the unusual request. "An estoc? Why that?"
"I thought it would make the most of my speed. Watching Shizuka-san fight made me realize that."
Spiegel delivered the line they had prepared perfectly. It was a logical choice; speed-types and thrusting swords like estocs were a natural match.
"Okay, that makes sense. Any preferences on the specs?"
"The length should be about this much, and the balance should be..."
Ikoma was slightly surprised by the highly technical nature of the requirements. However, he assumed Spiegel had simply done his research beforehand and didn't press the matter.
"Got it. I'll let you know when it's done. It should be ready by tomorrow."
"Thank you! I can't wait!"
As Spiegel left, Shana arrived.
"Oh, was Spiegel here for a commission?" Shana asked, watching Spiegel's retreating back.
"Yeah, he wants an estoc made from that spacecraft alloy."
"Hoh? An estoc, huh? Show it to me when it's finished."
"Sure thing. I'll show it to you along with Musketeer X's Photon Sword."
As it happened, Musketeer X had been lucky enough to snag a Photon Sword unit. When Usushio Tarako and Yamikaze heard the news, their reaction was hilariously pathetic.
"M-Musketeer X... is that what I think it is...?"
"Tarako, you know this? I don't. I was just about to ask Ikoma-sama."
"It's a Photon Sword unit! The material for those beam sabers!"
"Really?"
"Yeah! I wouldn't lie about something like that!"
"...Yes." Musketeer X gave a tiny, subtle fist pump.
Watching her, Usushio Tarako felt happy for her, but he couldn't suppress his own crushing envy. Just then, Yamikaze joined them, saw the item in her hand, and let out a strangled cry.
"Musketeer X-chan! I-i-is th-th-that...!"
"...Doya (Behold)."
"Ugh, that face! Saying 'Doya' out loud while looking like that... you're so cute it's annoying!"
"I'm... cute?"
"Y-yeah, you would only pick up on that part. But still, it's annoying!"
"...Doya."
Seeing the smug look again, Usushio Tarako finally snapped.
"Gaaaaah! Dammit! I'm so jealous!"
Yamikaze snapped back at him. "Shut up, Tarako! I'm trying to keep my own jealousy in check here, so pipe down!"
"What's wrong with saying I'm jealous when I'm jealous?!"
Musketeer X cut in with a completely deadpan delivery. "Please... don't fight over me."
"Don't say that with a robot voice!"
"Yeah, what he said! Though... I don't totally hate it!"
Musketeer X paused, then tried again—this time with exaggerated emotion.
"I'm sorry. You can fight over me all you want, but my body and soul already belong to Shana-sama. There is zero chance for either of you. Blush."
"Damn! The dialogue is annoying enough, but saying 'blush' out loud at the end... you're so cute it's infuriating!"
"Yeah! Infuriatingly cute!"
"More importantly," Musketeer X continued, "help me think of a name and color for the blade. I was thinking 'Ryusui' (Flowing Water), and the color should be blue."
"You asked for help, but it sounds like you've already decided everything."
"I don't understand you at all..."
And so, Musketeer X obtained her Photon Sword, named it Ryusui, and chose a brilliant blue for the blade. With several players walking away with significant gains, the fortress defense quest came to a close.
At that very moment, a shadow landed at the airport.
"Hehe! I got too excited and came a day early. I wonder if Kohi will be surprised... Or more importantly, will she let me stay over? Oh well, whatever happens, happens! Just wait for me, Hachiman-sama! Your cute little Fuka-jiro is coming to see you!"
It seemed the chaos was far from over.
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