The flight back to Shanghai went without incident. Calmly arrived at the military base, ordered a "taxi" via the duty officer, and flew off.
The training was very fruitful. The girls greatly improved both individual combat skills and teamwork. I wouldn't be surprised if by the start of the inter-university world championships, Ai Tutu surpasses her brother in combat experience.
Screw that he's military—not every day has combat missions. Plus he's a recognized genius, and geniuses need training time. Lots of it. So the "Black Demon" being a green rookie compared to his little sister? Can't wait to see his face when he realizes.
But to do that, the girls need experience fighting mages, not just monsters. Monsters rely on brute force, people on skill and tactics—though not always. Against an old experienced monster, roles often reverse, but that's details.
For the next three-month training phase, I want fights against people. I know one "wonderful" place where even High-level mages fight in the arena. Rarely, though—too high-flying for public entertainment. But if you're broke, you can do anything, so they show up.
Upon arrival, our group split. Lin Lin went to the agency to her grandpa, whom she'd missed after two months away. She'd turn in our monster population scouting mission and transfer our share of the reward.
The girls went home with me for baths and sleep. I didn't go easy on them during night training either, so proper sleep was rare. They took turns guarding the elementally conjured camp and woke at every rustle. Real sleep? Forget it in those conditions.
I didn't want to pity them. Couldn't. If apocalypse strikes again and life as we know it crumbles, I want them ready. Though better no apocalypse at all. I'll do everything I can. But just in case, let them train—maybe they can even help me someday, who knows.
After getting home, I took a quick shower and teleported to Master Pin to see what he'd finished in two months. It was only 2 p.m., so he wasn't sleeping. Hope he didn't keel over from overwork.
Appearing in the alley by the familiar workshop, I entered and looked for the old man. Surprisingly, he wasn't in the main workshop; I found him upstairs at the dining table, sipping tea and studying a blueprint. "Mu Bai! You finally came! I thought you'd vanished in one of your expeditions." Master Pin saluted me with his teacup upon spotting me.
"I warned you I'd be gone a couple months. Memory slipping?" I teased with a smile, sitting opposite.
"Tongue twister to you! I'm full of vigor and bursting with ideas! Right now, pondering your future armor blueprint." He waved the blueprint.
It might seem this armor will soon be useless to me since I'm breakthroughing to High-level within a year. Far from it. Quality custom armor takes time, and crafting duration increases per level.
So this current quality armor will tide me over until the next order, especially if made from top materials with temporary boost and soul-absorption recharge.
"Came for the finished artifacts. What's ready?" I got to business. We can chat after.
"Oh yeah. Take this junk before I forget." Master Pin rummaged in a nearby bag and pulled out gray fabric fingerless gloves with plant patterns. The design screamed "for a woman."
"I took the liberty of tweaking the gloves' look. Sorry, but you're no designer. Now your girlfriend will love the gift instead of binning it." The old man explained.
No point explaining these gloves are for fusion magic, not decoration. But his design was way cuter than my sketch, so no complaints. Their simple function won't be hurt by a redesign.
"You said simple work like these gloves would be a break task, so I assume that's not all?" I eyed him questioningly and stored the gloves in my spatial ring.
"You doubt me! Finished all girls' artifacts except wings—too labor-intensive. Next meeting, you'll get them, then I'll start yours. Come, I'll hand over the goods." He stood and led me.
Since I made the girls' armor identical, no point varying other artifacts' designs. I even have an excuse for Ai Tutu—in battle heat, enemies might confuse them with Mu Nujiao and botch tactics. Weak excuse, but possible, so no reproaches. Heh, genius.
Mobility artifact—Seven-League Boots. Whimsical gold design matching the armor with protruding plant images. Master Pin crafted these using the rare materials I brought.
The protruding plants are one such material: Wind Buttercup. Boots soaked in its oil, stems packed with concentrated wind mana—for max Mid-level artifact speed.
Boots hit Peak Pack Leader speed for mobility specialists or regular Junior Supreme Commander level, holding it at least five minutes. Then it drains the girls' own magic reserves.
Defense artifact—Holy Shield. Palm-sized ornate metal piece vaguely like a medal. Center holds a blue magic stone—Angel's Tear. Expands shield as much as energy poured in.
Very rare, only on near-extinct light-specialized beasts in human territories. Enables cool tactics by varying shield size.
Attack artifact—Lightning Blade. Sword of special lightning-fast ore, discharging full charge at once. Usually paralyzes foes; extreme case, instant kill via full discharge.
With these aces, the girls won't lose to many Mid-level mages. So I'll alternate their fights. Some with artifacts to get used to them. Others without, to not lose base skills.
I've seen mages who relied solely on artifacts—useless without. Not for my girls; I'll oversee training strictly.
I plan arena fights too, to loosen up. Show girls what to aim for. Hope High-level mages there to test my fists.
"Well, satisfied?" The old man stroked his white beard smugly.
"Yes, everything's perfect." I nodded.
"Let's chat upstairs over tea—I'd love your expedition stories." He offered.
"Why not." I nodded and followed.
Useless going to the girls with novelties now—they're sleeping. Might as well enjoy a chat.