"One hundred million Valis, just as we agreed. You will forge a Zanpakuto for me this time, right?"
A day had passed since the workshop was delivered and Alise had come to visit.
"I know. Of course I will not go back on my word. Come on in."
Rayleigh smiled and showed the girl an Asauchi. "The preparations are complete. All that is missing now is your soul, Alise."
With that, he turned and entered the workshop.
The girl followed him through the open door, her eyes darting around the space with curiosity.
"This is my first time inside a blacksmith's workshop," she said.
"Really? Where did you get your equipment then?"
"I bought it all from the Goibniu Familia's shop."
Rayleigh chuckled. "Too bad. From now on, you will only be able to use equipment I forge."
"Hehe, having you as my personal blacksmith is enough."
"..."
Rayleigh paused, then resumed his preparations.
A moment of silence settled over the workshop.
He called Alise over and pointed to a spot on the floor.
"Stand here, Alise."
"Okay."
The girl stepped into the designated area as she can barely contain her excitement.
Rayleigh drew the Asauchi and focused his mind.
As the blade transformed into a glowing blue energy form, he guided her.
"Don't resist. Relax your mind. Next, we will merge this blade with your soul. It will not hurt you, I promise."
Rayleigh guided the Soul Blade into Alise's body.
The girl showed no signs of nervousness. Out of pure trust, she felt no fear whatsoever.
The blade transformed into spiritual power, flowing into Alise's body before reappearing in her hand.
Alise gazed at the blade in her palm, marveling at the sensation.
She could feel a myriad of emotions radiating from it.
'Is this the connection Ardi mentioned between a Zanpakuto and its wielder? It's fascinating!'
At this stage, Rayleigh had removed his outer robe.
His lean, toned muscles possessed a unique aesthetic appeal that complemented his face.
Alise stared at him, momentarily stunned. "Uh, Rayleigh, you are one of those people who looks slimmer with clothes on... I never knew."
The usually boisterous Alise lowered her gaze, her eyes darting across the floor.
"Do I not look like a Blacksmith to you?"
"Well, you certainly do not look the part."
Until now, Alise had only encountered Blacksmiths who were burly and muscular or stout Dwarves, with the vast majority being middle-aged men.
Though they continued chatting, the process progressed under Rayleigh's guidance.
The Zanpakuto was soon forged.
Alise's souls had now merged within the blade!
Rayleigh felt refreshed and invigorated, free from the fatigue that usually followed forging.
Instead, he felt as if he had just completed a warm-up, brimming with energy.
This new creation contained a sliver of his own soul, a measure taken to ensure seamless control during use.
Now... the blade radiated intense spiritual pressure!
Seizing the moment, Rayleigh called her out, "Alise!"
"Coming! Watch this!"
The girl gripped the scarlet blade with both hands, channeling the spiritual pressure within.
With her eyes closed and a serene expression, the Zanpakuto in her hands transformed from its Asauchi form into a completely new shape.
A double-edged sword resembling a European longsword replaced the katana-style blade.
It featured a crimson hilt, a white scabbard, and a beautiful red crystal embedded in the pommel.
"Beautiful!"
Alise cradled the Zanpakuto in her hands while murmuring, "Please take good care of me from now on, Engetsu!"
Her face beamed with joy, like a child whose wish had just come true!
Suddenly, as if remembering something, she turned to Rayleigh with concern. "
Oh, Rayleigh, are you alright?"
Seeing her anxious expression, Rayleigh blinked, then spread his hands to indicate he was fine.
Alise let out a sigh of relief as she patted her chest. "That's good! Ardi told me you would be exhausted, even collapse, after forging a Zanpakuto, so I was worried."
Rayleigh felt a warmth in his chest.
'Hmm?'
'Is this what it feels like to be cared for by a beautiful girl?'
'Not bad at all.'
"I was not experienced enough before. I'm still not fully there, but I will not collapse from forging a single blade anymore. I just will not be able to explore the Dungeon today."
With his spiritual pressure nearly depleted, his energy could not be restored with potion.
In this state, he was not fit for battle.
"Oh, no Dungeon today... Then, how about you and I stroll around town?" Alise cradled Engetsu in her arms, sounding delicate and girlish.
Rayleigh had never seen Alise act like this before.
'And.... isn't this clearly a date invitation?!'
"Sure, sounds good," Rayleigh agreed without hesitation.
Alise's heart leaped with joy, her delight plain on her face.
She hung her sword at her waist and dashed to the door, but turned back before stepping out.
"I need to change, so let's meet at the usual spot at one o'clock!"
With that, the girl sprinted away.
Rayleigh stood motionless for a moment before sinking into a chair.
His unfocused gaze betrayed his inner turmoil.
"I need to prepare properly too."
Snapping out of his daze, Rayleigh hurried to a clothing store in the Tower of Babel.
He had originally planned to take his time preparing. But because everything he tried on made him look as dashing as a God from the heaven—and with his black hair and black eyes—the shop assistants started playing dress-up with him like a doll.
They had him try on nearly half the store's inventory!
As the agreed-upon time drew near, Rayleigh had to make a quick decision, grabbing a set and rushing to the checkout.
He chose a light blue collared shirt paired with a silver-gray vest, topped with a loose-fitting, open-front uniform jacket and a navy blue tie.
The trousers were impeccably tailored. For shoes, he opted for beige combat boots.
After smoothing out his outfit using the reflection in a shop window, he made his way to the fountain plaza.
It was twenty minutes before one o'clock.
But when he arrived, he saw a dazzling flash of red.
The red-haired girl was already there!
Rayleigh walked over and called out, "Alise."
The girl, who had her back to him, froze. Then she turned around.
Her fiery red hair had been styled, the strands falling straight and smooth, cascading down with natural grace.
Her skin needed no concealer, yet it carried a faint blush. Her eyelashes had been darkened with mascara, and she even applied an eyeshadow on it.
Alise was wearing a white chiffon blouse with ruffled sleeves and a black knee-length tulle skirt.
Paired with small black leather shoes, she looked remarkably beautiful.
"Alise!"
Rayleigh was stunned!
Had the clumsy girl transformed into a beauty?