CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP
The birds flew from branch to branch, perching on the green canopies and picking on the fruits hanging from the stems. Each and everyone had feathers glimmering which were as beautiful as gems, their songs wafting all throughout the forest.
A new morning has arrived, and with a heavy downpour yesterday night, the foresty greens are now wet and soaked in morning dew. Droplets of rain scatter across the grassy forest floor as the little critters trouble themselves in the bushes.
Meanwhile, whilst the animals and plants enjoy the lovely blessing of the morning sunlight, the critters of the night are now fast asleep, hiding in their tree holes and burrows, slumbering ever so peacefully. Such a lovely forest it was.
"Mmn～♪ Hmmn～♪ Nnn～♪ Hmm～♪ Mmn～♪ Hmmn～♪" ［Yuna］
A beautiful elf entered the forest, her soft and silent hums carried by the winds and charming the little critters and birds. She took her steps, bent her back a little, and picked some fresh berries for herself, her eyes glittering bright like the morning dew.
The berries were all plump and fresh, still coated by the droplets of yesterday's heavy rain. The young lady whisked the berries a little bit, shaking away the water, and after a little wipe, bit down on the little berry.
It was small, but extremely juicy, a welcome rush of sweetness caressing her tongue. There was also a bit of tartness and creaminess in the mix, making it a little unique. The young lady could only smile at such a treat.
"Mmn... Should I make a pie with this?" ［Yuna］
A few days had passed since Grey and Yuna visited the Royal Capital, and with the Shopping Mall now greatly stable, they could finally enjoy their everyday life the best they could, enjoying themselves the best they could.
Now, Yuna is picking fruits, nuts, and berries in the nearby forest, foraging every little edible thing whilst also collecting some herbs while she is at it. There really wasn't any particular reason why she was doing so. She just likes it.
"Hmm... Are there any more around heー" ［Yuna］
GRRROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR
However, the forest isn't always a peaceful place. Before she even knew it, a forest wolf had already pounced towards her, catching her off guard. It was already too late. It was already overー or so it would usually, had it been any normal person.
Unfortunately for the wolf, rather than a meal, what it got was a swift beating from Yuna. The young lady moved her hand like a quick flash and punched the poor wolf by the chest, breaking its ribs and crushing its heart soon after.
There was nothing more left to be said. The poor forest wolf's life had already been forfeited, staggering a little bit before crashing towards the ground. Its eyes turned white and blood gushed from its mouth.
"Hmph! What a rude wolf! Don't you know it's rude to attack a person?!" ［Yuna］
Yet despite all that, the young lady simply didn't mind the wolf at all. Rather, she was a little upset that it really pounced towards her. She already knew it was around, but still decided to give it a chance and make it think twice.
"Now, look at what you've done. The forest floor got dirty." ［Yuna］
Unluckily for the wolf, it made the wrong judgement. It pounced on the wrong person and as a result, got to meet its creator earlier than it should have been. The young elf doesn't even feel sympathy, only a little annoyed.
"Hmm... It's got some good muscles... I wonder what it'll taste like." ［Yuna］
With that, it was decided that they will be having wolf meat for dinner, to be served along with the other wild animals Yuna just caught. The wolf wasn't the only ones who tried to pounce on Yuna, after all.
A bright smile blooming on her face, Yuna then dismantled the forest wolf and neatly separated its meat, pelt, useful organs, bones, and other body parts from the useless parts. She then disposed of the latter, burning them with magic.
As for the useful items, she quickly stored them inside her storage ring and neatly organized them one by one, placing the wolf meat near the other meats. Just thinking what they'll be having for lunch was enough to make her drool.
『Sirius, can you hear me? Hello～?』 ［Yuna］
『We can hear you loud and clear, Mistress.』 ［Sirius］
『Ah, that's good. Then can I ask you what you would want for dinner? I already have some dishes in mind, but I want to hear your opinion too.』 ［Yuna］
『I don't particularly want anything, and I think Hadar would eat anything you cook... Could we just join you while cooking, Mistress?』 ［Sirius］
『Oh! It's been quite some time since we cooked together! Sure!... And, oh! Make sure to tell Altair. I'm sure she'll love to join us.』 ［Yuna］
It wasn't just Yuna who was out and about. The familiars and spirits are also on their own, hunting monsters throughout the continent and having their fill of some nice and juicy corruption. They still need it for sustenance, after all.
And while Grey and Yuna would love to have them nearby, there are barely any monsters that can satisfy them near Galderia. They needed to go out to the unexplored regions of the continent and hunt there, especially the Haltea Great Forest.
Well, there was no need to worry anyway. With how fast and powerful they are, flying from and towards Galderia wouldn't even take them an hour. Grey and Yuna could also just summon them if needed be. It was really convenient.
『Okay... Then don't hesitate to tell me whenever you want to eat something, okay? I'll make sure to blow you all away!』 ［Yuna］
『It would be our honor, Mistress.』 ［Sirius］
『Then, I'll hang up now. See you later～!』 ［Yuna］
『Have a wonderful, Mistress.』 ［Sirius］
A quick little chat with Sirius later, and Yuna continued foraging for edible goods throughout the forest. She scoured the forest floors, picked from the bushes, and even searched through the canopies for all sorts of goodies.
By luck would have it, she also came across a handful of magic plants. They weren't exactly rare, but they were still magic plants nonetheless. Yuna was more than happy to pick them, humming to herself as she enjoyed her leisurely walk.
Of course, while she was doing so, she came across all sorts of monsters. All of them were weak and died in less than a second, heads decapitated before they even knew it. The smarter beasts fled as soon as they saw her.
RUSTLE RUSTLE RUSTLE
"Hmm? Is it another one?" ［Yuna］
It may be because she was lucky or just because of some convenient plot, but just as she was exploring the forest, she came across a horned rabbit. Not just any horned rabbit, but one with 3 horns! A special one!
It was a rare kind of horned rabbit which was one in a thousand, and possessed horns more shiny, beautiful, and valuable than usual. Its fur is also smoother than usual, a product nobles would love to get their hands on.
However, such things didn't matter to Yuna at all. Only one fact... And it was that a 3-horned horned rabbit's meat is much more supple, tasty, and juicy than anything of its kind. It was the most prized game animal she saw for the day.
"Come here, little rabbit～!" ［Yuna］
Spoke the young lady in such a soft and friendly tone, but her eyes begged to differ. The moment the little horned rabbit saw her eyes, it immediately knew it was in trouble. It ran as quickly as it could, face pale as can be.
Even then, it wasn't fast enough. With just a quick flash, Yuna instantly caught up to it and with just a quick chop with her hands, she sent the poor little rabbit to the shadow realm. 3-horned horned rabbit meat, get!
"Yaay～! We'll be eating well today!" ［Yuna］
A smile blooming on her face, Yuna continued with her foraging adventure, gathering a lot of edible goods and filling several hundred baskets with all sorts of fruits, berries. greens, mushrooms, buts, roots, and all sorts of things.
Yuna also managed to hunt a handful of wild animals, most of which were edible and have tasty meat. She even managed to get herself a second 3-horned horned rabbit, making her haul more valuable than anyone could ever imagine.
Before long, the 9 o'clock bell finally rang throughout the city and it was finally time for Yuna to get back home. But rather than their house, she took a quick detour, entering a familiar inn soon after. It was the Rabbit's Den!
CLING CLING CLING CLING
The bells chimed sweetly and the young lady entered with a bright smile on her face. She didn't head to the counter, but rather, headed towards the kitchen, all the while skipping her steps and enjoying the scent of delicious dishes wafting through the air.
"Oh, good morning, Yuna. Have you finished foraging already?" ［Gerd］
"Un! I got a lot of great things! I even got some 3-horned horned rabbit meat! Two of them, actually!" ［Yuna］
"Ohh～! Those things are really precious. They're really good." ［Gerd］
"Fufufu! How long has it been since we had one, Dear? I remember the stew we made with it is one of Helen's favorite dishes." ［Selia］
"Oh! A stew! Can I have a taste? I'm willing to give some meat if you want." ［Yuna］
It was all idle talk, everyone chatting like they usually do, and with the flow of things, Gerd and Selia accepted Yuna's request. They took a little bit of meat from the young lady, and placed them inside the freezer, to be cooked for dinner later.
Before long, Helen arrived at the scene, and like usual, gave Yuna a tight embrace, the two squealing so happily. They soon headed towards Helen's room, talking about all sorts of things which makes them squeal even harder... It was romance, of course.
Yuna has Grey, and Helen has Owen. The two took quick turns gushing about their significant other, gossiping like the maidens in love that they are. They also talked about their favorite books, enjoying their youth as much as they can.
"Oh, right. Speaking of Grey... I don't see him around... Is he busy or something? I have a request for him." ［Helen］
"A request? That's rare..." ［Yuna］
"It really isn't from me, but from Owen. He wants to ask about a certain rune he found in one of Grey's inventions. He's been bugging me about it." ［Helen］
"Mmn... Your boyfriend sure is passionate about his work..." ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! It's a little frustrating that he's working most of the time, but that's what makes him so cute. I love that part of him too." ［Helen］
"Fufufu! I totally get you." ［Yuna］
The two were giggling and laughing, soon blushing a little bit. Yuna may be a great and inspiring heroine to many, but she is just a precious friend to Helen whom she shares love stories and romance novels with. Just a normal girl.
As for the answer to Helen's question, Yuna could only ponder herself. Grey has been holing himself inside his smithy for a few days already, only getting out to rest and spend some quality time with her... Whether he's free or not... It was unknown...
"He's a little busy so that may be a little difficult for now. But I'll be sure to tell him whenever he's free. I promise!" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! That's settled then. Next... Let's talk about the new books!" ［Helen］
"Un! I also enjoyed reading that! Especially on..." ［Yuna］
Giggles and laughter continued to drift in the air, two young ladies laying down the bed and squealing to themselves. They read a lot of novels and talked about all sorts of nonsensical things, talking like there was no tomorrow.
...
CLANG CLANG CLANG BANG FIZZLE
The sound of metals hitting one another thundered all throughout the smoldering room, accompanied by the roaring flames and howling winds. Strikes echoed clear as day, sparks soaring all throughout, illuminating the dim glow of metals.
The flames danced with vigor, burning hotter than the sun itself. Crimson and amber lights flew left and right, dancing merrily as the symphony of the forge played at high noon, a single figure standing firmly before the flames.
His eyes were stern and his heart was unwavering. The clock continued to tick and he continued to hammer with all his might, shockwaves running rampant throughout the fields as he poured his heart and soul into his beloved creation.
CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG
The thundering claps continued to echo and the young man continued to strike. With each turbulent strike, a clear ring followed soon after, placating the troubled winds and keeping the balance of the forge.
Each strike was powerful enough to blow whole cities away, yet strangely enough, he looked calm and gentle. There was harmony between the strikes, the short-lived sparks giving life to the monotonous forge.
The more he struck, the more the blades were forged to the shape he desired. However, it was still not enough. A strong desire in his heart continued to burn brighter than the flames before him, his eyes only focused on one thing.
"And there...!" ［Grey］
BANGGGGGGGG
The final strike was landed and a stream of sparks gushed forth throughout the forge, resembling the river of stars in the night sky. The stars soon faded and all that was left was a beautiful blade, more delightful than the morning sky.
It was thin, but durable, looking rough and unpolished yet immaculate. It was still an unfinished slate, yet it already harbors such majesty and magnificence. It was a blade of the heavens, glimmering amidst the veil of uncertainty.
FWISSSHHHHHHHH
With the blade now finished, Grey continued on with the grinding, polishing and attachment of the decorative pieces. He made sure to move his hand in the most delicate manner he could, eyes not blinking a single second.
Grey had already been working on the sword for a few days, and now he was finally nearing the stage of completion. He has yet to finish making it, but he could already tell it was the best swordー no, best item he's made so far.
Time passed by without a hitch, Grey unaware of his surroundings as he continued to pour his all. His rough breaths echoed in the air, and sweat dribbled all throughout his well-built body. And finally... Before long...
"Huff... Huff... Haha.. Huff... I've done it... I'm finally finished... Huff... Huff..." ［Grey］
He was exhausted, he really was, but seeing such a beautiful blade before him, he couldn't help but smile like an idiot. He didn't even mind how sweaty and dirty he was, only happy to have finished his work. However...
RUMMMBBBBLLLLLLEEEEEEEE
... The excitement didn't just end there. Soon after Grey finished forging his sword, the ground suddenly started to tremble, the wind dancing merrily all the same. It was a scene Grey was all too familiar with, a smile blooming on his face.
WHOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG
What followed soon after was a brilliant flash of golden light, a radiant and massive pillar gracing the lands. It was a sight which could be seen far and wide, foretelling such wonderful news to everyone... The birth of a new Legendary-Grade item!
Grey had already anticipated that it would be Peak-Tier, Superior-Grade at least, but to his surprise, it actually reached Legendary-Grade. With that, he had also reached the same status as Yuna... The youngest Legendary Blacksmith in history...
"Yeah! I really did it! Ooohhh～ Yeahhhhh～! I'm now a Tier-9 Blacksmith!" ［Grey］
He wasn't just happy, he was extremely happy. He was happy to the point he danced around like an idiot, praising his newly forged sword with an impossible to hide smile on his face. He was extremely happy as he engraved his crest.
Thankfully, Grey was inside the Sanctuary, and there was no one around to see him. Otherwise, there would be a lot of commotion, and he wouldn't get the end of it. He still needs to have his rank reevaluated, but that's a problem for his future self.
"Oh, right! Let's see what it's like!" ［Grey］
Grey already knows his sword is Legendary-Grade, however, he was still excited to see what its status screen really is like. He is like a child who just got himself a new toy, feeling giddy and excited as he opens it up.
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
[Equipment]
[Name]Blue-Blood Mithril Longsword
[Grade]Legendary
[Power Value]24,670
[Enchantment Value]157
[Creator]Grey Silverdrake
[Description]
The very first Legendary item forged by the Legendary Blacksmith, Grey Silverdrake.
It was mostly made with Mithril, and had the complimentary materials of Black Sapphire, Lilisula's Tear, and Starlight Iron. It is a durable sword which can withstand most manners of attack and cleanly cut a boulder in half in one swift strike. It also had very great conductivity with mana.
[Ability]『Violent Flash (4☆)』
『Sharpness (2☆)』
-----------------------------------
It was a wonderful sword through and through, and though it was a bit embarrassing to have his name be mentioned in the description, he takes pride in forging such a masterpiece, his smile spreading from ear to ear.
And since it was Legendary-Grade, there was no need to enchant it. Legendary-Grade equipment and above already have enchantments on their own, and in this case, it seems like it got 2 of them.
"Well... It's a shame though... I don't really use swords that often..." ［Grey］
Unfortunately, Grey really can't use such a sword. Other than the fact that being a swordsman wasn't his main class, they also already have 2 Divine-Grade swords in their person, both far much better than the one before him.
"Hmm... Should I give it to Liz thenー" ［Grey］
Grey also thought of giving away the sword to Eliza, but remembering the scolding they received from Fritz over a Superior-Grade weapon, he decided to think twice, a few unpleasant memories resurfacing.
They were already scolded so much when the weapons they gave Elise and Elaine were Superior-Grade weapons valued at around 50 million kiels, much more for a Legendary-Grade weapon worth 30 billion kiels at the very least. It will be hell.
"Haah... That was a close one..." ［Grey］
Grey decided to not think about it any further, and simply stored the thought away for another day. After all, there was a much more urgent and pressing matter he needed to tend to, and that was...
"Looks like I need to bathe again..." ［Grey］
... His hygiene... He has been working in the forge for several hours and the smell of grease, tar, and smoke already stuck to his body and clothes. He was also covered in dust all the same. He couldn't be so messy.
And so, before heading back outside, Grey used the shower in the Sanctuary House and washed himself clean. He also took a quick dip in the bath, washing away all the fatigue, some fragrant scents drifting pleasantly.
Before long, Grey was fresh and fragrant, ready to head outside the Sanctuary, and into their house. Yet before Grey could do so much as rest on the sofa, what greeted him was an excited set of footsteps and an eager young lady.
"Grey～! You're back～!" ［Yuna］
Yuna pounced at the young man the very moment she saw him, clinging onto him tightly like a little puppy who has been left home for far too long. Grey may have not noticed, but it was already almost evening. He was very late.
"Geez! What took you so long?! Do you even know how long I've been waiting! I had to eat lunch by myself! It was so lonely!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Sorry, sorry, I didn't notice time passing by." ［Grey］
"Please notice next time! Geez!" ［Yuna］
She was a little pouty and sulky, but as soon as Grey started patting her head and comforting her, she immediately relaxed. She was still clinging onto him, but not too much, only holding his arms and wanting to be spoiled a little bit.
"Hm? What's that...?" ［Yuna］
"Ah, this... It's the first Legendary-Grade item I just forged." ［Grey］
"Legendary-Grade... Eh?! Legendary-Grade?! You already reached Tier-9, Grey?! Waah～! Congratulations～! I'm so happy for you～!" ［Yuna］
It took a little while to register, but when it did, Yuna immediately entered celebratory mode, squealing to herself as she congratulated Grey the best she could. In fact, she was even more excited than Grey himself, cheering on him quite warmly.
"Ah! This won't do! We need to celebrate this! I already asked Mister Gerd and Missus Selia to make something delicious, but I guess we need more! Grey, what would you like to eat? Anything is fine!" ［Yuna］
In fact, the young lady was so happy, she wanted to celebrate it as soon as they could, thinking of throwing the best party there is. She was so eager and excited, Grey couldn't help but want to pinch her in the cheeks. She was just so cute.
"Hahaha. Then I'll have your best dishes then." ［Grey］
"No! That won't do! Name something you like! Anything!" ［Yuna］
"Then, in that case, I'll have..." ［Grey］
Home really is the best...
CHAPTER 475 END