What appeared before Izumi were two extraordinary items.
Both radiated an aura that clearly did not belong to this dimension.
One was a sword steeped in the scent of endless slaughter.
The other was a bracelet.
As he gazed at the two treasures lying before him, a strange gleam flashed across Izumi's eyes.
These are the only things I got after spending that much?
The thought left him somewhat speechless.
Still, he reached down and picked up the sword, examining it carefully.
The moment he sensed the power contained within it, his expression changed.
A look of surprise appeared on his face.
This sword possessed enough power to potentially threaten a being of Single-Digit rank.
Realizing that, Izumi immediately became interested.
"Now this is fascinating."
"A weapon capable of threatening a Single-Digit..."
"That's actually impressive."
This was the first time he had ever encountered such a weapon.
In terms of sheer quality, it was probably comparable to the legendary weapons found in other worlds.
The more he thought about it, the brighter his eyes became.
However, there was one problem.
Izumi had never been fond of using weapons.
He preferred fighting with his own power.
So what should he do with it?
Suddenly, the image of a silver-haired sword spirit appeared in his mind.
Est.
Perhaps he could fuse this weapon with her.
After all, he had not strengthened Est in a very long time.
Maybe this was the perfect opportunity.
With that thought in mind, Izumi quickly made up his decision.
As for the bracelet...
He picked it up and inspected it.
Soon, he discovered that it was a purely defensive artifact.
Once activated, it could deploy an unimaginably powerful barrier.
A barrier capable of protecting an entire world from the aftermath of battle.
A true absolute defense.
"This is pretty good too."
"With this, I won't have to hold back during future fights."
"And I won't need to worry about my world getting caught up in the damage."
A satisfied smile appeared on his face.
It was undoubtedly a valuable treasure.
After storing the bracelet away, Izumi immediately summoned Est.
The contract between them still existed.
Calling her over required nothing more than a single thought.
In the next instant, Est appeared before him.
The moment she arrived, she fixed him with a resentful gaze.
"Have you finally remembered me, Izumi?"
Hearing that, black lines instantly appeared on Izumi's forehead.
"Haven't you been enjoying yourself just fine?"
"It's not like I forgot about you."
"I just didn't want to disturb you."
He shamelessly came up with an excuse.
Unfortunately, Est didn't seem convinced in the slightest.
The resentment in her eyes only deepened.
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Then why is it that ever since I woke up from my long slumber, you've never once come looking for me?"
"Izumi... you're such a womanizer."
Est complained expressionlessly.
The amount of resentment she had built up was obvious.
Faced with her accusation, Izumi could only sigh helplessly.
Reaching out, he gently patted her head.
"Alright, alright."
"Don't be angry."
"Take a look at this."
As he spoke, he took out the sword he had just obtained.
Est's attention was instantly drawn toward it.
The moment she saw the weapon, her pupils contracted.
"What is that...?"
"What a terrifying sword!"
She could immediately sense its frightening nature.
Even in her sword form, she had a feeling that this weapon could easily sever her.
Izumi handed the sword over to her.
"Try absorbing it."
"Make its power your own."
Est blinked in surprise.
"Absorb it?"
"Can I really do that?"
"This weapon is incredibly precious."
At that moment, she completely forgot about her earlier complaints.
All she could think about was whether such a thing was actually possible.
Izumi nodded without hesitation.
"That's right."
"Compared to using some random weapon, I'd rather keep using you."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
He seemed genuinely pleased with the idea.
The instant those words reached her ears, Est's face turned bright red.
"W-Wha..."
Her heart skipped a beat.
For someone as emotionally reserved as her, those words were simply too devastating.
Unable to meet his gaze, she lowered her head slightly.
For the first time since arriving, all traces of resentment had vanished.
Only embarrassment remained.