I just woke up. Normally, the sun should be blazing by now, but what greeted me was a gloomy sky. Coupled with the draft bringing in the first snowflakes of the season, I realized that winter had arrived.
The surrounding scenery began to change distinctly from usual. The sky was also clearer because the black dragons seemed to have retreated into their caves for hibernation, although even at noon, the world was white with fog, as if I were in some horror movie with countless monsters waiting to jump out and eat me.
In short, it was cold, gloomy, creepy, and a bit sad due to the lack of the sun's warmth. It's like being in Hokkaido but without the scenery of nature.
Since here in Gaslow, it's unlike Roa or even Japan; perhaps completely different. It seems the sun only manages to appear for a few hours around noon before setting, leaving most of the time submerged in darkness.
According to the humongous map hanging on the wall of the mess hall where I was sitting, Necross Fortress is located in the sub-arctic region of the Demon Continent. To visualize it easier, this place is probably somewhere near the Northern part of the Central Continent. Not only that, the humidity in this Gaslow region is quite high in winter (I think due to the monsoons), so while the estimated outside temperature is around three or four degrees Celsius, it feels like it must be much worse. Occasionally, the early season drizzles only make this feeling tens of times worse.
To understand how cold it is, even though I have the cold resistance of the Blood Tribe, I still shudder every time a draft blows through.
Larry, instead of being slender as usual, had puffed up his fur, becoming round as a black pufferfish, lying right next to the fireplace with no intention of moving. And um... the reason I compare Larry to a pufferfish instead of a fur ball like a normal cat is that perhaps the cold makes him grumpier than usual. I can understand that; after all, he came from a place with a hot climate all year round. Being thrown into a freezing winter like this, it's only natural to be annoyed.
All I could do in this situation was ensure the room temperature was warm enough and cook food delicious enough so I wouldn't be attacked by my own pet.
"Someone will bring up hot food later," I told Larry while giving that black fur a pat.
The black cat didn't respond; only a few whiskers twitched, and his ears perked up then flopped down as a signal of nodding. Seeing that, I felt reassured enough to leave the room and head down to the kitchen area.
On the way, rain started falling again, causing drafts to blow through the windows, making me want to freeze to death. Yet meanwhile, regarding Atofe's Personal Guards, they didn't seem to know what cold was. They still wore their black armor, walking around as usual, with no one appearing to wear extra warm clothes aside from their basic set of cloth inside and a set of armor.
When asked around, I found out that the black armor they were wearing was a magic item. Besides the ability to reduce damage, it also had the function of regulating body temperature quite well. So whether they went to a place that was terribly hot or cold like now, they wouldn't face any obstacles.
So maybe...
After cooking the meal for Larry and myself, I went to Moore to borrow a set of armor to study. According to everyone here, this thing is quite expensive, so the fact that I was given a whole set to research shows how much I am valued. Moore also didn't forget to instruct me on things I needed to know. For example, the armor has a curse where whoever wears it will be eternally loyal to Atofe.
However, that information made me more interested than scared. So I sat down out of curiosity to find out what the curse magic circles looked like. Yeah... I didn't understand a damn thing. When I asked for help, no one in this fortress understood either. It seems this design has existed for a very long time, and the Immortal Tribe doesn't have a habit of recording much, so no one knows how to interpret them. If they need new armor, the blacksmiths just base it on an existing set and copy it.
But to be sure, I just recorded everything I knew and would find a way to understand and test it later.
Luckily, the magic circles with the function of heat retention or enhancing endurance were quite simple. Although it took quite some time to reverse engineer them, I finally found a way to design a set of armor without the curse and with nearly similar functions.
All of that happened in just one day. See how good I am? I'm the best at making magic tools mua wa hahaha!
Now, thinking back quite a bit, I used to be very bad at making magic tools or researching their functions. Just the other year, I was fumbling to make an automatic fan or a glowing lamp like an amateur. Now I can understand and recreate such a complex magic tool with ease.
It's true that with effort and persistence, anything can be achieved, right?
And it seems it's been a while since I made magic tools? Perhaps I should utilize the facilities of this place to make a few things.
Something we need right now… ah yes, I know what it is.
So I decided to make a set of armor for Isolde to celebrate her 15th birthday. The reason is that after the battle with Atofe, Isolde's armor was shattered. Although she was provided with a new set, they were quite crappy, so every hellish training session with Calina, they would go straight to the trash can. So I thought giving a new armor set with tons of cool functions would easily make her admire and acknowledge my versatility, he he he.
Though um... it seems Isolde's birthday passed nearly three years ago, but whatever. It's the thought that counts.
And that is why today, instead of being at the sword training hall, I went to the Fortress's production area for the first time in my life. It was an area surrounded by a defensive wall like a large fence, just like every other area in this fortress. Between the two areas was a small gate with guards.
When I arrived, the two guards at the gate immediately stepped aside and bowed. Although they were wearing helmets covering their entire faces, based on their attitude, they seemed happy, even turning to joke with each other that today was their best day to be able to talk directly to me for the first time. Even though this isn't the first time I've become something like a celebrity, I still can't get used to this feeling.
Besides, people say that fame and admiration are a sweet poison that slowly gnaws at a person. I know too well the consequences of what complacency does to people, so I won't let myself fall into that rut again.
"Woah... This place is just as noisy as I imagined."
Stepping inside, I constantly heard the sound of metal clashing, the chanting of forge mages continuously creating the hottest flames possible. And of course, the sound of extremely healthy cursing. That noise, combined with the terrible heat generated, along with the image of rows of forges next to each other, created an atmosphere that was both bustling and full of vitality.
If I recall correctly, forging weapons and equipment is one of the main export items of Necross Fortress. Thanks to having important materials and ancient forging formulas here, it seems nowhere else on the Demon Continent can compare. That is also why they need a lot of iron, so as soon as Lord Lan Xin and I returned, Lady Atofe and Moore had to go immediately to ensure the material supply. Truly, even in the Demon Continent, the supply chain still plays a pretty important role.
I walked while marveling to myself. My eyes, of course, didn't stop looking around, trying not to appear too conspicuous. However, perhaps because I was the only one here not wearing black armor, everyone immediately recognized my presence. Some immediately stopped what they were doing and bowed. Some even came over to ask if I needed help with anything.
So suddenly I had someone come to support and act as a tour guide for me. And it turned out to be an acquaintance.
"Mua ha ha!" Peridot laughed loudly, his laughter even drowning out the sound of metal in the forging area. He crossed his arms, making his already large biceps look even more gigantic. "Finally, you are interested in the art of forging, Sir Hero? This is what a true warrior should be! Those summoning arts of that idiot Arcantos are only for the weak! True strength must depend on equipment and one's own power, am I right!?"
"Ah, right..."
Yeah... The person I accidentally ran into was Peridot of The Earth, one of Lady Atofe's Ultimate Four. It seems this man, a hybrid between a dwarf and a human, was really pleased to see my face somewhere other than the training hall. Just some months ago, didn't he invite me to the forge a few times when teaching magic to Isolde and me? But back then I wasn't very interested, so I didn't pay attention. And this guy didn't bother to repeat the invitation more than once, so I completely forgot.
"But what is the purpose of this trip of yours, Sir Hero?" Peridot asked, his bright red eyes seeming to flare up into a fire of enthusiasm. "Do you want new armor that can withstand a slash from Lady Atofe? A magic sword that can create fire? Or a pair of shoes that can help you run as fast as flying?"
"Ah no no, I didn't come to look for equipment for myself. Actually..."
So I told Peridot my intention. As soon as I finished, he slapped my back heartily with a laugh even more delighted than the first.
"So you want to forge a weapon for your wife yourself? Mua ha ha ha ha! Truly a real hero. Possessing both strength and a love that surpasses one's own desires! Exactly a great warrior! Good! Then this Peridot of The Earth will help you fulfill your wish! I will personally teach you the art of the forge!"
So, I was accepted by Peridot as an apprentice. But since he seems to be one of the most talented blacksmiths of Necross Fortress, I think I just hit a jackpot.
"Alright! First, we should take a walk around so you can grasp the entire process of a blacksmith!" Peridot said enthusiastically and led me around.
"Then please lead the way, Master Peridot." I immediately followed right behind him.
Peridot led me to each area. From where materials were stored, the process of importing and exporting goods from the warehouse, where the materials came from, what they were for, their uses, to the large central smelting furnaces where raw ores were brought to smelt into the highest quality alloy ingots. Then to the forging area, where blacksmith mages showed off the skills of artisans to make the best armor. And finally, where they engraved magic circles before being sent for quality inspection. Although this world is still in the medieval ages, having such a closed and efficient process is indeed quite impressive.
I couldn't help but marvel while walking and asking questions about everything under the sun, like what this type of metal was, where it came from. As a chemist in my previous life, I was quite curious about the art of metallurgy, but it seemed Peridot wasn't very well-versed in in-depth theory. He could only answer me based on experience or explanations that this world could provide, like 'this metal has a lot of mana', the ductility of this type combined with the hardness of that type is suitable for combination, or something like that.
However, there were many things Peridot explained quite clearly and reasonably.
"Why do people use magic to create fire instead of using wood?" I asked out of curiosity.
I had been to the smithy in Roa city a few times with Philip. However, there, people used treant wood to burn instead of using magic like this. Using magic is still quite efficient and doesn't cause pollution, but wouldn't using wood be less effortless? Even in the Royal Capital, I saw people using charcoal, rarely seeing the existence of forge mages like here.
"Because around this Gaslow region, there are no Treants, Sir Hero," Peridot replied.
"Ah, right. Now that you mention it."
Although the Demon Continent is an arid land without any forests or jungles, there are still treants here. However, in this god-forsaken place called Gaslow, even treants refuse to exist. While in Fittoa, there are so many Treants that people can burn as many as they want without running out; truly ironic. And it seems because this fortress is full of strong people, the mana issue isn't a big deal, so they have been using magic to forge for the past few thousand years.
Occasionally, they import wood or charcoal made from treants for some mandatory processes. Like the alloy smelting furnace, it seems they still use this type of charcoal made from treant wood. Peridot also diligently explained that treant wood has the ability to burn stronger, so it is mainly used for metallurgy. Like that black wood Lord Lan Xin used to burn me; it was also from a Giant Black Treant he had raised for a few thousand years as a pet; occasionally, a few old branches were chopped off and used as firewood.
The fact that treant wood burns stronger than normal must lie in the mana issue. Because Treants, as I was taught, are formed when plants absorb mana and turn into monsters. Therefore, firewood from them has a larger amount of mana than usual. That explains why black firewood from a treant several thousand years old could be so terribly hot.
In principle, it's probably like me absorbing mana from fire; anything that burns will release energy blah blah blah—ah, I won't ramble about this issue. What we all care about now is blacksmithing right? So let's keep focusing on that.
When I spent nearly three hours walking around and asking for more information, in the end, Peridot took me to his workshop, a small house located right at the end of the forging area. We were sitting at a stone table and chairs right next to his forge.
"So, what kind of armor do you want to make?"
Peridot asked eagerly while slamming his jar of beer onto the table. He looked like an otaku finding someone who is also passionate about some ancient anime that no one knows about. Ah yes, looking quite like Rudeus whenever I accidentally mentioned a specific hobby from his previous life.
"I think a set of armor with good defensive capabilities. With resistance to magic and piercing attacks being very important. Maybe arm guards enhancing mobility, strength, and leg parts adding a few magic circles to increase speed? Besides that..."
I began listing requirements that seemed suitable for Isolde's fighting style and weaknesses. Although she was already like a mobile tank with her incredible defensive ability, my 'wife' still had quite a few weaknesses. Like how to counter wide-area magic and unblockable attacks like Atofe's Skyfall.
And of course, attacks that can pierce armor are also quite dangerous.
"Um um..." Peridot recorded what I listed. Based on his attitude, it seemed what I just requested didn't cause much difficulty, hopefully. "Besides that, do you need anything else?"
"Ah, of course, body temperature regulation ability too," I added. "As for the rest… ah maybe nothing more. It's quite a lot isn't it?"
"Oh no no, it's actually simple, don't worry." Peridot wrote the rest on his paper and rubbed his chin. "If I do it myself, it might only take three days for all requirements, but if Sir Hero does it yourself, it might take a bit longer. So about a week."
"Just a week?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Smart as you are, you learn fast, right? I heard Calina say you are the type who hears one and understands a thousand! A genius! Mua ha ha ha!" Peridot gave a thumbs up with a hearty laugh.
"Ha ha..."
With so much expectation, I probably have to try my best not to disappoint this master. But anyway, my goal is to finish the armor before winter passes, so it seems there are still four months.
And so I started learning armor forging.
Actually... I already had experience in this, so I didn't encounter many difficulties. Back when I was at the Royal Academy and started researching magic tools, I also went to the forging area and learned a few basic skills.
So now I could start easily and smoothly compared to a complete newbie. The hardest part of forging lies in precision and stamina, two things I... have in abundance. Plus working in an environment full of fire, I could stand hammering for three straight days. Not to mention I have nearly ten years of experience making magic tools, so engraving magic circle patterns wasn't very difficult, it's like breathing to me now.
However, there was an extremely difficult problem that I needed to solve.
A problem, obviously, right? I know there are problems people can turn a blind eye to. Like cooking a stew and missing a secondary spice; we can completely skip it.
However, the problem I'm talking about here is like 'meat'. Imagine a pot of beef soup without 'beef'. It will absolutely, definitely, be impossible to complete.
Worse, it's not a problem I can solve by myself without getting a bad reputation for a thousand years. And as a hero who extremely values honor, I must find a solution where I don't have to become a criminal.
So there was only one way.
On the very next day, after I had tried making the first set of armor (though it failed miserably), I went to find the only person who could help me with this.
At lunch, in a secluded corner with few people passing by, my eyes darted around, ensuring no one saw anything unusual about me sitting here. When ensured that no one noticed and especially that our 'VIP' did not appear, I carefully placed a heavy bag of money on the table.
"Can I ensure you will succeed, Master Calina?" I asked while staring into eyes similar to my own reptile ones. The bag of money was also slowly pushed over at a constant speed.
"Of course, Hero Atur." Calina smirked as she grabbed the bag of money; immediately, nothing remained on the table. It was as if the remaining transaction was just a breeze. "With my wisdom, this is as easy as eating a pie."
"Then I await good news from you."
I stood up, ignoring the lunch that hadn't even cooled yet. My hands were in my pockets as I slowly walked out of the mess hall.
Tonight, I will know Isolde's biggest secret.
That is her three sizes!
That's right, it is exactly what I cannot do without to make the perfect armor for Isolde. Imagine if I made upper body armor smaller than her bust size? And worse, if it was too big, it wouldn't be perfect armor. Someone demanding comprehensiveness like Isolde would certainly not like such a thing.
Because of that, tonight, when Isolde goes to bathe, Calina will 'accidentally' go in together, and there will be an intimate sisterly chat. Then he he he, the next day I will know the divine numbers I need to know.
"Hey, Sir Hero seems to be having a nosebleed."
"That must be a side effect of being too strong. Like a volcano with excess fire erupting."
"I see."
Never mind those gossips, I still have fifty kilometers to run; let's continue training while waiting for the result!
...
The next day.
I sat opposite Calina again—the person I knew had gone into the bathroom with Isolde. Now is the time for me to know the truth.
"You have 'it', right, Master Calina?" I asked carefully, trying not to let myself smile too pervertedly.
While on the opposite side, Calina placed a folded paper on the table. She pushed it towards me confidently.
"Everything you need is here, Hero."
I eagerly took the paper and opened it.
It was a scribble of a stick figure with two circles on the upper body. Next to it was a small line of text: "Hand-sized."
And below, another line even more concise: "Soft".
What the f*** is this!?
"Master Calina." I tried not to let myself go mad. However, the paper in my hand was already crumpled. "With this information... how am I supposed to know and calculate the stats to make armor?"
"It's that easy to understand, Sir Hero," Calina replied nonchalantly. "I always write like that for Peridot, and he understands immediately."
"How is that possible?" I frowned.
"If you don't believe me, try giving it to Peridot." Calina smirked confidently. "The smartest people like us understand these things immediately."
"No, no. Nein nein nein. No way." I opposed this idea immediately.
The reason I asked Calina was that I didn't want any guy other than me to know Isolde's measurements. Lest some bastard here sees she has too perfect a body and has bad intentions? So even if there is a possibility Peridot understands the nonsense Calina is writing, I don't want to show him.
Besides, more importantly than anything, if Peridot knows and tells me, it means he partially intervened. Then it wouldn't be 100% made by me, so I wouldn't want any help. My self-esteem does not allow it.
So there is only one way left.
"Put this paper aside for now." I stuffed the paper into my shirt pocket. Although it was a bit meaningless, I believed it would have some use in the future, probably. Then I cleared my throat, starting the conversation again more seriously. "Anyway, can you give me an estimate of the measurements?"
"Ah, this is easy." Calina grinned and held out her hands, making a gesture as if holding something in front of my face. "About this size."
Which size is that!? I need you to measure the chest circumference! Not the cup size! Millis have mercy on these idiots!
Thanks to the restraint of a true Water God Style swordsman (probably), I didn't scream but could only hold my face with both hands and cry silently inside.
"And the bottom size is like this. But Sir Hero gets to feel it every night, why do you need me to find this out? Don't tell me Sir Hero wants to—"
"Okay, that's enough, Master Calina; please be quiet for me." I clasped my hands and bowed to the person sitting opposite, begging her to stop talking.
So the first plan to get Isolde's three sizes officially failed.
However, I am not the type of person to give up after a small failure. So I decided to try again. And this time, I decided to use my own abilities.
That's right, I will use these sharp eyes to become an invisible tongue licking all over—Ah no. Too perverted, I just want to estimate, so it's fine. Anyway, the experience of watching women from my previous life until now (I swear I'm not proud of it) will help me deduce the necessary parameters.
Alright! Demon Eye of Cup Size, activate!
"Pervert. Scum. Unfaithful. Womanizer. Go die."
I had barely looked over at Isolde when she fired a bunch of terrible insults at me and kicked me out of the room.
However, I will not give up. Only the weak give up! Isolde's three sizes, just you wait! I will definitely find out this secret.
And this time, when I was in the forge training, Peridot was the one who actively sought me out.
"If you find it too difficult, I can help." He stood with his arms crossed as always, creating an extremely solid and cool stance, even though the words spoken were... "When it comes to finding out women's parameters, I am an expert."
What is with that smug smile?
"No need, thanks." I refused immediately.
As sworn to myself, I won't let any other male know Isolde's three sizes. So I won't accept help.
"It's okay, I understand." Peridot, instead of giving up, stepped closer and patted my shoulder. "Calina told me; the reason you don't want me to help is because you don't want me to contribute to your gift full of love, right?"
Actually, that's only half right, except the 'love' part.
"Yeah." But I still nod.
"Then rest assured, Sir Hero! Mua ha ha ha!" Peridot crossed his arms again, returning to his cool, imposing stance. "Then I will only offer a strategy; you know, I am a smart guy. The smartest of the Ultimate Four! So rest assured, my plan is perfect!"
Honestly, I was quite uneasy. Because say what you will, I highly doubt the intelligence of the strong ones in this fortress. There is a rule here that the stronger one is, the stupider they are. Therefore, Peridot—the strongest in the Ultimate Four—is definitely the stupidest of all.
Yet unexpectedly, after hearing that plan, I found it extremely reasonable.
"Oh... It could actually be effective." I marveled. "You really are smart, Master Peridot!"
"Obviously, isn't it? Mua ha ha ha ha! This Peridot of the Earth is the smartest!"
"Yes! Master Peridot of the Earth is the smartest!"
"Mua ha ha ha!"
So I started executing Peridot's plan.
...
The next afternoon, on a day with no snow falling, wind not too strong, and temperature quite comfortable, it was weather too suitable for a hunting mission. However, since it is now winter, organizing a dragon hunt is not easy. Because this is the time when they hibernate, finding dragons is not easy. However, that does not mean this god-forsaken Gaslow region will become safe.
Because for animals that didn't have a very full autumn, they won't sleep but will continue to be active in winter. For such monsters, they will be many times more dangerous and scary than usual. Because... yeah, they are hungry. What isn't scary when hungry? So leaving Necross Fortress seems like something that shouldn't be done, even considered suicide unless that person is truly strong and has business to do.
Like Isolde and me right now.
Although I can't call myself terrifyingly strong or anything, those hungry dragons aren't very scary to me lately either. At most, I can stretch my legs and run; my speed is fast. As for Isolde, needless to say, although not wearing armor but three sets of monster leather sportswear and a coat outside looking quite bulky, she still runs steadily like a train.
Luckily, lately, I have grown much more than before, also in puberty, so my endurance has improved quite a lot. That's why I can maintain a steady speed with this genius friend without worrying about being left far behind like before.
"Go around that cliff and stop for push-ups?" I pointed to the cliff marking the halfway point and suggested.
"Yeah."
So we sped up, ran to that place, and started preparing for our push-up exercise. A total of three thousand, every ten kilometers, we stop to do six hundred and then continue running. Over the past months, this has been an indispensable exercise for both Isolde and me under Calina's instruction. Lately, this exercise is like a warm-up; even though Calina said we didn't need it anymore, we still do it daily. For Isolde, it is a manifestation of discipline; she wants to achieve higher achievements than herself daily. As for me, I just want to do something outside the walls, like taking a walk.
"Want to race to see who finishes six hundred first?" And besides, this is also a chance for me to compete with Isolde, like a habit. "The loser has to clean the room and Larry's waste."
"Fine. If you want to lose that much."
Isolde agreed immediately as she took off her heavy monster fur coat. Both of us got into position and started the push-up race.
The first times before, we simply raced push-ups as normal. But lately, to increase interaction, both agreed to incorporate combat into push-ups. Meaning the race will be divided into 5 milestones, corresponding to every 100; whoever reaches a milestone first will have the right to use a certain magic. Since this is a contest to increase magic control ability, if I use it and affect more than the opponent's two hands and two feet, I will lose.
And to be fair, one cannot use magic at two consecutive milestones. To explain it simply, it goes like this:
"99... 100."
Isolde reached the number 100 first; she immediately chanted and froze both my arms and legs with Icicle Field.
"He he. I win." Isolde smirked.
"Not yet, don't get cocky. No way I lose to one move three times in a row."
This is a very effective tactic; Icicle Field has the ability to freeze the opponent and make them unable to move. If it were the Isolde of months ago, when she chanted slowly, I might have completed one hundred push-ups and chanted some defensive magic. However, after being taught by Arcantos and Moore, she has become much faster and has much better control ability. So I was only frozen at the hands and feet and not the whole body.
And just with that, Isolde can always take the lead very quickly while I struggle to find a way to escape.
I lost a few times because of it, so I also prepared to focus force into my muscles before this happened. So just five seconds after freezing, I was free.
"Fast, but the two hundred mark will belong to me." Isolde said confidently.
But in just those five seconds, Isolde quickly did twenty more, completely leaving a gap. If I want to win, I need to do something extremely breakthrough.
"Just wait and see."
That is why I started speeding up and doing push-ups with all my strength to chase. My goal was the two hundred mark, to use magic. And soon, I quickly surpassed Isolde's push-up count and headed towards that two hundred mark.
"Even if you use magic, you will lose a lot of strength." Isolde said while keeping her push-up rhythm steady. "You can't win."
"Heh..."
About this, Isolde is right. I won't be able to win after an unnecessary sprint. The usual tactic is that for someone left far behind, they need to speed up steadily to try to reach the three hundred mark instead of two hundred. Because Isolde can't use magic at the two hundred mark anyway, right? If using all strength for something that isn't sure to help win, that is indeed stupid.
However, there was one thing Isolde didn't expect.
"Watch this..."
That is... I don't need to win!
"Quagmire!"
Immediately, the ground where we were doing push-ups turned into a swamp.
"You... what the hell are you doing!?" Isolde yelled.
Both of us sank straight down immediately; the push-up contest ended.
...
The result was I lost. Because I broke the rules, causing Isolde to be affected by magic all over her body instead of just hands and legs. So besides having to clean the room and scoop Larry's waste for a week, I was also glared at and scolded by Isolde for making her covered in mud.
But it's okay, I got what I wanted.
So when Isolde ran back ahead to change clothes after I used fire magic to warm and dry her. I stayed behind to start collecting those dried mud pieces.
That's right, I took the things that stuck to Isolde's body, dried them to make a frame of her body.
After a night of diligently assembling, I completed the mud body frame of Isolde. And look at it, divine curves! The purity of a Water King at the most beautiful age of her life.
It is clearly an artifact of the gods!
"Cough... Calm down, must focus on the important task."
So I took the necessary tools to prepare for measuring. But before I could do anything, the warehouse door opened.
"Ah Atur, about the..."
And what could be worse than it being Isolde herself. Her blue eyes, always beautiful enough to capture souls, became dark. Immediately after was a sigh as she was holding some clothes.
"Blue Goddess sweeping down from the heavens..."
Result: Divine statue destroyed.
...
The fourth time, then the fifth time, soon, ten plans to get Isolde's measurements passed. All failed.
Once I tried listening to Arcantos to summon a mimic and tell it to transform into Isolde, but in the end, it just bit my head.
Or once I listened to Benebene... Ah never mind, me listening to those guys in the Ultimate Four is clearly stupid beyond cure.
And not only did I fail to get the measurements, I seemed to be pushed further away by Isolde. It seems the more I pursue this gift plan, the easier it is to be hated instead of gaining affection as intended.
Clang* Clang*
So, even though my smithing skills had improved significantly after nearly two months of grinding, I had absolutely no progress in creating a set of armor for Isolde.
"Sigh… Truly hopeless. I'm so hopeless."
My own sigh sounded depressing even to me. I placed the gauntlet piece I had just finished onto the table and walked around the forge I had borrowed from Peridot. It was almost dawn; I probably still had a little time to tweak the greaves.
"Or should I adjust the magic circles on the helm? Hmm…"
"Oh, Sir Hero is still here?"
While I was asking myself what to do next, a familiar voice rang out. Turning around, I immediately recognized the speaker.
"Sir Moore." I bowed slightly. "You're up early today?"
"Actually, I'm preparing to go to sleep." Moore did the same to me in a courteous manner. "However, I heard the sound of an anvil, so I came to check."
"Oh, I apologize. I thought—"
"Ah, it's fine." Moore immediately cut me off. "No matter how hard you hammer, it won't echo outside this forge area, so there's no need to worry. I heard it because I was walking in here to do a few things."
"If you say so."
During the first few days here, I had tested it and realized the material used to build the walls of this place even had soundproofing properties. So, even though the residential area and this place aren't too far apart, I had never heard any noise over the past period. For that reason, with the meager architectural knowledge I picked up while studying in the Royal Capital, I immediately planned to set aside a day to observe and redraw the blueprints of this fortress.
But it seems my to-do list is getting longer and longer, so I temporarily put that on the back burner to focus on forging armor and practicing swordsmanship first.
"Anyway, you seem to have talent in this trade, don't you?" Moore walked over, picked up the gauntlet piece I had just cast, and examined it. His red eyes flashed with distinct interest, and the rest of his face showed an amused smile. "I've met many talented people, but someone who can do anything like you is truly rare."
"It's just because I have prior experience." I admitted. "Besides, there are still many flaws. I'm still a long way from reaching Master Peridot's level."
After all, I don't intend to train too much to become a legendary blacksmith or anything. To me, blacksmithing is a secondary subject mainly to support the creation of magic tools, like a sub-class to support the main build. Thanks to having some experience in this, perhaps later when collaborating with a skilled blacksmith, I'll be able to communicate with them easily without being seen as an amateur who doesn't know what they're saying or what to expect from them.
People often say you have to walk in each other's shoes to understand each other better, or something like that.
"Still as humble as always, truly Sir Hero Atur." Moore placed the gauntlet on the table, his gaze shifting to me with a face full of hidden meaning. "Anyway, it seems the plan to make armor for Princess Isolde isn't progressing very well, is it?"
"Let me guess, Calina told you?"
"She was the first." Moore admitted. "Benebene was the last in the four."
Truly, you can't trust anyone in that stupid bunch!
"Anyway, I'm actually very impressed that you went to ask for advice from those four idiots." Moore added. "Apart from their specialty, it's best not to listen to anything they say."
"If only you had said that sooner."
"Experience from mistakes is always the most valuable experience, right?"
"Yeah, sure."
I think that's a sentence I used to say? It seems Moore is the one who spread this phrase and turned it into a motto or even a proverb of Necross Fortress. If I recall correctly, he is also the one behind pulling the strings on writing books, composing poems, and bard songs about me to promote the image of this place.
Indeed, if Moore were a modern Earthling, he would certainly head the entire communications department of some corporation.
Ah no, he's more like a CEO because it seems everything in this place is run by him. Truly versatile and multi-talented. I wish that later, if I execute a business deal or by some luck become the lord of Fittoa with Eris, I would also have such a reliable right-hand man.
"Actually, if Sir Hero still needs it, I have a way." And just as I thought, Moore immediately demonstrated his intelligence and sensitivity. "You can find out what you want by checking the size of Princess Isolde's clothes."
"Oh, right!" I slammed the table with excitement. This is indeed simpler than summoning a mimic! Why didn't I think of this sooner!?
If I just find a set of Isolde's clothes, everything is solved.
Preferably her training clothes soaked in the smell of sweat. Oh wait, it doesn't necessarily have to be soaked in sweat... Damn this pubescent brain.
But anyway, calm down, at least I found a way. Now, let's execute it.
"Thank you, Sir Moore." I gave a thumbs up to the captain and took off my apron. "I will definitely repay you."
"Being able to help Sir Hero is my honor. There's no need to pay anything back."
Even though he says that, he'll find a way to make me do something for him eventually. But whatever, now let's go back to the bedroom to find a set of Isolde's clothes.
…
At this moment, it was probably around three in the morning; guards occasionally walked back and forth on the paths. Perhaps because I was preparing to do something evil, I started to be more cautious and avoided the guards reflexively. To the point that I tiptoed up the stairs like a mouse planning to steal food.
When I reached the top of the tower, where the room filled with the pink color of a princess was located. I gently pushed the door open and was greeted by the warmth from the fireplace on the other side of the room. The pale red light flickered with the flames, making my shadow expand and shrink continuously in a shady manner, looking just like a villain crawling out of a 90s cartoon.
On the bed, Isolde was lying with her back to the door; she was covered by a blanket and sleeping soundly. I could hear her gentle, peaceful breathing rhythm. My friend clearly had no guard up whatsoever.
Conversely, Larry, my black cat, had opened his eyes wide and was staring at me from the fireplace. He seemed to be asking me 'why are you back so soon' with a dissatisfied attitude.
So I put my index finger to my lips, signaling my cat to keep quiet. Larry responded with a long, lazy yawn, then curled up and went back to sleep. However, I knew full well that the cat was still pricking up his ears to listen to what nonsense I intended to do.
Let's see... I'll go to the wardrobe. Yeah, that's a normal action. As long as I act normal, there's no reason for Larry to be suspicious, right? I'll go to the wardrobe, take a set of clothes, measure them, then put them back in the old place. Alright, that's the plan. Let's do it.
In truth, I do occasionally open Isolde's wardrobe, it's not like I never have. The reason is that there's only one wardrobe in the room, so we share it. Simple and easy to understand, right? Every now and then, with blurry eyes, I accidentally open the wrong compartment of my roommate, and I swear I didn't feel much during those times.
But this time was different. My heart pounded, sweat oozed out coldly. I placed my hand on the wardrobe door handle. The excitement of doing something like that sure is thrilling. I'm starting to understand-
"Hey. How is your work today? Need any help?"
Suddenly, at that moment, a smile suddenly appeared in my mind.
That was a woman. Someone I deeply respect. Someone used to be the reason for me to wake up everyday and live the same routine day after day. It was a boring life, I know. But her smile, it's like the brightest thing ever created.
It's like the sun in the coldest winter. Warm, sincere and lovely.
But somehow, I fucked it up.
"You are the last thing I want to see."
A gaze from deep within my memories flashed by, accompanied by a voice full of bitterness. That warmth suddenly became the coldest disgust. That lovely smile became hatred.
Back in the day, I still think I didn't do anything wrong. It's just some harmless pictures. It's not like I pinned her down and touched her or anything. I didn't understand the hate. At the time, all I thought was just the stress from the lawsuit we all are pursuit which made my friends back then turned their back on me.
But then, years later I realized what I actually did wrong.
It's because I never actually give a damn second to think about anyone's feelings. What I did is just for my pride and desire. I was so stubborn and coward to admit it was my fault.
All I did is just a disgrace, in disguise of something as noble as 'love'.
"..."
So I froze, the hand placed on the door knob clenched into a fist, pressing back inwards as if trying to resist some sick thought. Finally, I sighed.
"Sigh... in the end, do you want to repeat the old mistake?"
Actually, what am I doing this for? I asked myself as I'm looking at Isolde.
My goal is to make a perfect gift worthy of someone like her. And yet here I am, preparing to rummage through her wardrobe like a pervert.
Although the action differs, how is what I'm doing now any different from what I did with Sarah? And now thinking carefully, I suddenly realized that I genuinely wanted to know those numbers just to satisfy my own sick curiosity rather than for Isolde's sake.
Just like before huh?
How ironic.
I swore to myself that I would never repeat that mistake. Yet now I almost fell back into that exact same damn hole. Why?
Because of puberty? Should I blame what is called 'Blood Tribe traits'? Or, is it because even with a new opportunity, a new life in a new world, am I still a perverted man with weird desires? Is that how I really am?
Whatever the reason, this shouldn't have happened in the first place.
Damn it, you idiot, you are over forty years old! Grow up a little! You blockhead! This is not how you live your life, got it?
Then I stepped back, one hand rubbing the forehead that I had just slammed into the wardrobe door.
The pain made me strangely sober.
I look at Isolde once again. She did give me that disgusted look before. She did call me a pervert, a scum. But in the end, she never gave me 'that' look. Maybe because the standard of this world is completely different from Earth. Or maybe, Isolde has been more patient to me because I did save her before.
In this world, people can even give you their life if you saved them once. That's why the princess in every story would end up with the hero even though they just met. Romance and feeling doesn't actually matter. Even though Isolde never says it out loud, she actually could accept my perverted request if I ask. Because I saved her twice right? It's natural for her to be mine.
Maybe if it's me when I was just reincarnated into this world, I will take advantage of that without any shame. Because no one will judge me, it's normal and I'm not a saint to not have any feelings for a beauty like Isolde.
And as for Isolde, she's more than just a reward for me to take. She's a human living, a teenage girl and more than anything, a friend to me.
What kind of person would take advantage of their friend? What kind of monster would invade someone's privacy just because they won't get any consequences? And most importantly, what kind of asshole who won't change after having another chance in life?
I'm not that monster, not an asshole.
Not anymore.
I'm better than this. I want to be better than this.
I don't want to push my luck with the risk of losing a good relationship again.
I want to cherish her and laugh with her instead. Therefore, I need to be better. I have to. Because that's the vow I've made to myself, to live a life I won't regret.
And thanks to that clarity, I decisively left the bedroom and returned to the forge. There's still a lot of work to do and I have to try my best.
…
Three days later, I gave the armor I made myself to Isolde.
As predicted, it didn't fit at all; some places were loose, some places were a bit tight. The helmet part was so big it looked like Isolde was wearing a pot.
So I had to spend nearly another week adjusting everything to be correct. Not to mention a few miscellaneous flaws like uneven thickness, blah blah.
But Isolde didn't complain at all; instead, she said this with the brightest smile I had ever seen.
"Hey Atur. Thank you."
But somehow, with my 'reading' I can hear her saying 'I'm proud of you'. I don't know why she would say something like that to me. But deep down, maybe, just maybe I know the reason.
That's why I smile back.
That winter, I learned that I could become better than my past self. As long as I kept my respect for everyone and for myself. It's weird that I can learn that from Isolde, the one who didn't do absolute anything in the process.
But still…
"Thank you Isolde."
For being the reason for me to become a better man.
…
And also don't trust the stupid Ultimate Four.