Chapter 52 The Blacksmith’s Scolding
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I ushered a stunned Ethelena into the house. Tatia, sensing the late hour, headed home but cast a worried glance at Ethelena’s reaction.
”Starting today, we’ll be in your care,” Hinagiku, formerly Tengu-san, said with a deep bow. “I am Hinagiku of the Karasu Tengu, serving the Torakuma family and appointed as an imperial royal guard. Pleased to meet you.”
Her polished introduction left Ethelena flustered, scrambling to respond. Doesn’t she notice Yohira’s refined manners are just as graceful?
”I’m Ichika, degozaru!” Foolish Fox declared. “So, are you the master’s wife?”
”Wha—?” Ethelena froze, her face flushing as the question sank in.
”Don’t mess with her,” I snapped at Ichika.
Grinning like an idiot, Ichika didn’t see me slip behind her. I wrapped an arm around her waist and executed a perfect German suplex, tweaking it into an Izuna Drop. Caught off guard, she hit the floor without resistance, out cold.
”…That was a slick Izuna Drop,” Hinagiku said, impressed. “To think Foolish Fox would take it like that, even off guard.”
”It’s just Ichika being Ichika,” Yohira said, chuckling. “She probably let it happen. Come on, get up… Ichika?”
I released the hold and stood, but Ichika stayed sprawled out, motionless. Peering at her face, I realized she was unconscious.
”Crap, I overdid it,” I muttered.
”How’d you knock out her?” Hinagiku asked, bewildered.
Right, she’s supposed to be next-in-line leader material, just held back by her personality. To go down like this? She must’ve been way too relaxed.
”Tatara, wasn’t that a bit much?” Ethelena said, her tone sharp.
”I thought she was tougher than me, so I figured she’d handle it,” I said, wincing.
I laid Ichika on the sofa, but Ethelena’s accusing look told me I’d misjudged the situation.
”So, uh,” Ethelena said, her voice tinged with unease, “these two are here to take Torakuma back, right?”
Seeing her anxiety, I decided to explain everything, including today’s meeting. “Yeah,” I began, “Hinagiku and Ichika were sent by the Acting Head of Family to deliver teleportation gate materials and coordinates for the Torakuma estate.”
”That’s… good, right, Torakuma?” Ethelena said, her voice wavering.
”It doesn’t feel good when you say it like that, Miss Lonely,” Yohira teased, pulling Ethelena into a hug and stroking her hair.
Ethelena’s attempt at bravado couldn’t hide her fear of another farewell, like the one with her parents. Yohira’s natural affection surprised Hinagiku, who watched wide-eyed.
”Also, Ethelena,” Yohira said, “I’m not going back yet.”
”Huh?” Ethelena blinked.
”Not until the coup Tatia warned us about is over,” Yohira continued. “That’s less than a month away. We can live together until then… unless you’re not okay with that?”
”No!” Ethelena said, her face brightening. “We can make tons of memories so we won’t feel lonely.”
”Right,” Yohira agreed, her voice soft. “I want enough memories to keep the loneliness away too.”
Damn, I didn’t realize. Yohira cherished her time with Ethelena just as much. Those carefree days filled with laughter meant the world to her.
”Hinagiku and Ichika are staying to guard Yohira during the coup,” I explained. “Probably until it’s resolved.”
”That’s tough, having their mission change like that,” Ethelena said sympathetically.
”I get why Ojou-sama doesn’t want to leave,” Hinagiku said, glancing around. “This house… it’s warm.”
Yohira grinned. “Right, Hinagiku? These two lovebirds are so sweet, they’re my favorite couple to root for.”
”Wait, that foolish fox taught you that phrase?” Hinagiku groaned.
Hold up. I’d brushed off Yohira’s “favorite couple” comment as normal, but it was Ichika’s doing? Of course, Hizuru’s otaku culture strikes again. Talk about a PR nightmare.
”But Okusama wants to wedge Yohira-jousama between them,” Hinagiku said cautiously.
”In our territory, they say, ‘Those Between Lily and Rose Must Die,’” Yohira mused. “Wonder what happens to someone who gets in the way of pure love?”
”In that case, it’s ‘Kill the Libertine,’” Hinagiku replied.
Is the Torakuma territory just modern Japan’s internet in disguise? Libertine’s a fancy way of saying “playboy,” right? Sounds like a paradise for people who hate cheaters. I could live there.
”Hm,” Yohira said, “guess I’d have to die then.”
”Please, Yohira-jousama, don’t take it literally and jump to extremes!” Hinagiku pleaded.
”She’s more of a wanderer than a libertine,” I said. “Or, well, a lost kid.”
Yohira glanced away, unable to deny it. That’s why she’s here, after all.
”Hey,” Ethelena said, her voice low and ominous. “I want to know something.”
The air grew heavy. This can’t be good.
”What was Torakuma’s mom trying to do with me and Tatara? Be honest.”
Her wide, gleaming eyes were terrifying, pupils dilated to the max.
”Uh, well…” I stammered.
The truth was simple but brutal. I didn’t want to admit my shame—how Yohira’s mother treated her like a bargaining chip, how I snapped and said I’d take Yohira myself, offering Mana Reactors in exchange, and how I got trapped by my own words. But lying to Ethelena or hiding it wasn’t an option. Taking a deep breath, I spilled everything: the meeting, the mother’s manipulation, my outburst, and the verbal trap. Yohira stayed silent throughout, her lack of reaction worrying me, but I laid it all bare for Ethelena.
”…I’m sorry,” I said.
”For what, Tatara?” Ethelena asked, her voice calm but probing.
”For saying I’d take Yohira when I’m engaged to you,” I said, my chest tight. “That was reckless.”
”Are you saying you think it was wrong to get mad about Torakuma being treated like an object?” she asked.
”No way,” I said firmly. “Even if it’s her parents, I’d lose it every time someone treats Yohira like a tool.”
Ethelena smiled softly. “I know you wouldn’t regret standing up for Torakuma. That’s the Tatara I love.”
Her gentle words only deepened my guilt. “I love you, Ethelena. You’re the only one I love… but I said something that betrays you.”
Tears blurred my vision, spilling over from shame.
”I’m so sorry, Ethelena,” I choked out. “For betraying your feelings like this.”
”Oh, Tatara,” she said, pulling me close. “You always turn into such a crybaby with me.”
I sank to my knees, hugging her back, my head resting on her shoulder. She stroked my hair gently, and I felt utterly pathetic.
”So, Tatara,” she said after a moment.
”Yeah?” I mumbled.
”I’m a little mad,” she said, her voice dangerously sweet. “Tonight, I’m going all out to drain you.”
My tears stopped cold. I looked up, meeting her still-dilated eyes, glinting with intent. I might not survive this. At least let me marry her first… or hold our kid.
”Ethelena,” I said, my voice shaky. “Can I ask one thing?”
”What’s that, Tatara-san, who doesn’t know his place?” she teased.
”Let me hold you a bit longer,” I said. “Being like this with you… it’s my favorite thing.”
”There’s no helping you, Tatara,” Ethelena said with a sigh.
At my request, she stopped stroking my hair and hugged me tightly, her wings wrapping around me like a cocoon. I was completely enveloped by her warmth.
”I love you… more than anyone,” I whispered.
”I love you too, Tatara,” she replied softly.
In that moment, I knew for certain: Ethelena was the only one I truly loved. I cared deeply for Yohira, Tatia, even the Archangel, but my heart belonged to Ethelena alone.
”Yohira-jousama,” Hinagiku said, grimacing, “don’t you have something bitter to wash this down?”
”What are you talking about?” Yohira laughed. “This brain-melting sweetness is the best part.”
”It’s too late for you, Yohira-jousama,” Hinagiku muttered.
”It’s like my brain’s getting shattered and rebuilt, tougher each time,” Yohira said, grinning. “That’s the thrill.”
”Yohira-jousama,” Ichika cut in, suddenly awake, “your brain’s evolving through destruction and regeneration, degozaru! You’re unlocking a new fetish! The ultimate Yohira-jousama is born, degozaru!”
”What are you even saying?” I groaned, exasperated.
Must be some regional slang. Ichika’s got no filter. I pulled myself from Ethelena’s embrace and turned to Yohira. “Hey, Yohira, could you take those two to the bath? They’ll need help figuring it out.”
”Hm? Yeah, you’re right—this bath’s tricky without a guide,” Yohira said. “Alright, you two, let’s go!”
”Yes, I’ll follow,” Hinagiku said promptly.
”Uh, wait, I’m fine, degozaru—” Ichika protested.
”You haven’t bathed in three days!” Yohira snapped.
”That’s a bit much,” Hinagiku added. “You’re coming.”
”Nooo! Master, save me, degozaru!” Ichika wailed, reaching for me.
I ignored her. Hinagiku grabbed her by the collar and dragged her to the bathroom. They’d have clothes from their travels, so I left them to it.
”So, Tatara,” Ethelena said, her tone curious, “why does Ichika-san call you ‘Master’?”
”Honestly, I have no idea,” I admitted. “She ran into me, half-starved, so I fed her. Been ‘Master’ ever since.”
”Like a pet imprinting on you?” Ethelena suggested.
”Something like that,” I said. Why am I the master here? Feeding her was my only crime. Maybe Ichika never got much kindness back home? A tragic backstory for the slang fox? Nah, I’m not soft enough to fall for that.
”Agh!” A dramatic yelp echoed from the bathroom. That’s Ichika. I’m ignoring it.
”Ethelena,” I said, “before we start, I’ve got one request.”
”What’s that, cheater Tatara-kun?” she teased.
”I want to kiss you.”
She smiled. “God, you’re such an idiot.”
Ethelena tiptoed, and I leaned down, our lips meeting softly. I loved these simple kisses—just lips touching, no more. Maybe it was my parents’ constant affection growing up, but to me, it was the purest expression of love. Ethelena, though? She craved more. To her, sex was the ultimate act, and kisses needed tongue to satisfy her. She only indulged these gentle ones because she knew I loved them.
Her tongue grazed my lips, teasing, then tapped like a knock. I couldn’t resist—I met her with my own, and her tongue tangled with mine, smooth yet rough, moving like a living thing. They say someone who can tie a cherry stem with their tongue is a great kisser, but Ethelena was on another level—like she could weave a wreath with hers. My basic skills were no match; I was at her mercy. Our saliva mingled, the wet sounds filling the living room, until we parted, breathless.
”My room okay?” I asked.
”I’m fine right here,” Ethelena purred.
”I don’t want anyone else seeing you like that,” I said. Even if Yohira’s already seen us.
She giggled. “Such a greedy Tatara.”
”Is it wrong to want you all to myself?” I asked.
”Hm… I don’t know,” she said playfully. “I only want to be with you, but if it’s tough for you, I could handle others.”
”What’s that supposed to mean?” I said, floored. I can only love you, Ethelena.
”But,” she continued, “even if I’m okay with it, I don’t think I could handle you getting too close to Torakuma or Tatia. And those escorts? No way, not yet.”
”You don’t have to share me,” I said. “I’m happy with just you.”
”You’re such an innocent loner, Tatara,” she said, her expression melting. “You don’t get it.”
She pressed her forehead to my chest, her voice soft. “If you don’t realize how you feel, that’s fine. I’ll be enough for you. But when you figure it out, I’ll cheer you on.”
What’s she talking about? Did Ethelena see something in me I didn’t? Her words left me questioning myself more than ever.
I led her to my room, and things escalated quickly. Ethelena stripped off her clothes and cast a spell, binding my hands and feet with holy magic, pinning me to the bed.
”Uh, Ethelena-san?” I said, staring at the glowing restraints. “What’s this?”
”It’s a type of holy magic—binding magic,” she explained.
Right, I remember that from the game’s skill tree. Not one I had access to, though.
”It only works up close,” she said, smirking. “So it’s mostly good for… moments like this.”
”That’s why I’ve never seen it in exploration,” I muttered. Of all times for its debut.
”Alright, Tatara,” she sang, “time to strip!”
She was way too enthusiastic. The mana restraints held me in place, but didn’t stop her from undressing me. My arms were stuck, but my lower half was easy prey. The binding made me tense, and my manhood wasn’t exactly… cooperating.
”Hmph, no energy?” Ethelena pouted.
”Come on, this setup’s a bit much,” I said. I’m not some lust demon who can just roll with this.
”Oh, fine, Tatara-chan,” she teased, her hand gently gripping me.
Her cold touch made me flinch, and she smiled, clearly enjoying it. Her fingers moved expertly—index and middle stroking the tip, ring and pinky along the shaft, thumb teasing the underside. She traced the sensitive edge, drawing a yelp from me. Ethelena grinned, her sadistic streak showing as she relished my helpless squirming under the intense sensations.
”Hehe, Tatara’s ready now!” she declared.
Her relentless teasing finally got me hard, and I felt utterly exposed. With a playful glance, she leaned over, enveloping me with her chest.
”Tatara’s favorite boob attack!” she sang.
Her breasts, fuller than before, pressed around me, the soft flesh overwhelming. The tip peeked out, and she flicked her tongue across it, her warm saliva contrasting with my heat, sending shocks through me. Using her saliva as lubricant, she moved her breasts, the dual stimulation—her licking and the pressure—driving me wild. Her hardened nipples added sharp bursts of sensation, and I couldn’t hold back, releasing quickly. Ethelena caught it in her mouth, swallowing slowly with a slightly strained expression.
”Tatara, that was fast,” she teased.
”Don’t be ridiculous,” I panted, still catching my breath. “How’s a normal guy supposed to keep up with a succubus?”
Ethelena pouted, clearly unsatisfied. “I wanted it inside me… but a pathetic Tatara like this deserves punishment.”
Before I could protest, she straddled my face, her bare skin inches away.
”Come on, Tatara-chan,” she cooed in a babyish tone. “Lick Mommy’s special place♪”
”What the—new play out of nowhere!?” I tried to retort, but her sudden move silenced me, pressing against my mouth. The abruptness left me gasping for air. Switching to nose breathing, I was hit with the intoxicating scent of Ethelena’s love fluid, laced with succubus pheromones. It was a heady fragrance, reigniting my arousal despite just finishing. The fluid in my mouth acted like an aphrodisiac, my body heating up, my mind consumed by her.
”Tatara-chan, you’re so good at licking,” she teased. “As a reward, Mommy’s gonna gobble up your little friend♪”
Her dialogue was so absurd I’d have laughed if not for the pheromones clouding my head. Where does she get these lines? As promised, she positioned herself, guiding my manhood to her entrance with deliberate slowness, teasing me. Her sadistic streak shone through—my body screamed to connect fully, but the restraints held me back, leaving me with a pitiful expression I could feel on my face.
Ethelena smirked mischievously, pausing just as I was fully enveloped. “Bad boy Tatara-chan only gets this far♪”
She gazed at me, expecting something—pleading, maybe? This is brutal. My pride was crumbling.
”If you want the rest,” she purred, “you’ve gotta say it properly.”
Is she trying to break me mentally? The worst part was the sensation—her walls caressing me, so intense I could finish just like this. Focus, damn it.
”Ethelena…” I started.
”Nope, Tatara-chan,” she said, smug. “It’s Mommy♪”
I bristled. She’s cute—voice, face, all of it—but I’m not into mother-son play. “Mommy” was better than “Mother,” which reminded me of my actual mom or Sister Kareha. Didn’t she call herself “Mother” last time? Is it “Mother” when her instincts take over and “Mommy” normally? What’s with that distinction? I don’t need this dialogue split.
”No way,” I snapped. “You’re not my mom—you’re my wife! You promised we’d get married! Why’s that turning into ‘Mommy’? If we have a kid and I say, ‘Here’s your mom,’ that’s fine—I dream about that! But this? Nursing play, sure, I’ll roll with it. Parent-child play? Spare me.”
My words from that instinctive moment with Ethelena hadn’t carried over, and the realization exhausted me. Was all that convincing for nothing? Ethelena trembled, head bowed. Did I make her cry? Then I saw her horns—usually hidden—extending. Oh, crap. This is bad.
Her eyes, still dilated, now burned with fury. “Bad boys who rebel get punished,” she said, her voice low.
A surge of mana hit me, and hell broke loose. Overwhelming pleasure flooded my body, my brain overloading. She was using Sex Sorcery—sensitivity manipulation, probably amplifying my senses tenfold, focused on my groin. If this were that ninja company’s 3000x boost, I’d be dead. That level would turn air into pain, breaking a person instantly. My manhood, already weak to Ethelena, released pathetically with every slight movement she made. My brain, flooded with endorphins, craved more despite the agony.
”You’re so overwhelmed you can’t even speak?” she taunted. “This weak little thing can’t satisfy me. How pathetic.”
Her words barely registered through the haze. The sorcery restored my stamina, heightening my sensitivity, trapping me in a cycle of release and recovery. I tried to move, but the binding magic was too strong. Her cruel, innocent laughter echoed as I kept going, helpless.
”Your handsome face is a mess of tears and snot,” she said, giggling. “But it’s okay. Mommy loves Tatara-chan forever♪”
She kissed me, and my consciousness faded.
I don’t know how many times I released while blacked out. Waking up alive the next morning was a shock. Even more shocking? Ethelena, naked, riding me as I opened my eyes. The restraints were gone, so I sat up, shifting to face her. I hugged her tightly, kissing her deeply. Her eyes melted, her intensity softening. Thrusting upward, I finished deep inside, ending the act. Exhausted from a night of relentless “squeezing,” Ethelena seemed satisfied. We tossed the soiled clothes and sheets into the washer and headed to the bath. There, I couldn’t resist taking her from behind, whispering “I love you” as a counterattack. She returned the words, and we made up.
* * *
Fresh from the bath, Ethelena’s skin glowed as we prepared breakfast together. Yohira woke and began practicing her dance in the courtyard. After finishing the meal prep, I went to call her. Clad in her Hydrangea armor, iron fan in hand, Yohira moved with grace—every step, glance, and gesture refined. This was the Torakuma family’s dance, taught by her mother, a cherished bond. Her careful, devoted practice shone through. I really love Yohira’s dance.
”Phew,” Yohira said, catching her breath after finishing. “Tatara, is breakfast ready?”
”Yeah,” I replied. “A masterpiece by me and Ethelena. You’re in for a treat.”
”Nice,” she said, smiling. “I’m looking forward to you two’s cooking.”
Hinagiku and Ichika joined us at the table just before we sat down, looking startled at me and Ethelena. They kept their distance, probably having overheard last night’s chaos. That was a Special Ability, but to outsiders, it’s terrifying. Can’t blame them.
”Ethelena and I have academy today,” I said. “After, I’ll come back to work on the teleportation gate. What about you two?”
”I’m going exploring with Tatia,” Ethelena said. “She’s got school too, so we’ll meet up after.”
”I’m with the exploration group too,” Yohira said, “but I’m not allowed to wander town alone, so Ethelena and Tatia will pick me up.”
We confirmed everyone’s plans. Hinagiku and Ichika, as Yohira’s escorts, would stick with her. To enter the dungeon, they’d need approval from at least two of the City Mayor, Internal Affairs Chief, or Defense Chief, so they’d have to visit the central office first. Before heading to the academy, I sent a letter to the City Mayor via bird-shaped golem.
With preparations done, Ethelena and I headed to the academy. She wore her new armor casually, skipping the cape since I was by her side. As we entered the classroom, all eyes turned to us.
”Morning!” I called out.
”Hey!” Ethelena chimed in.
The class’s leering idiots zeroed in on Ethelena. Knowing their stares, I positioned myself to shield her. Amid the tongue-clicking, one guy approached as usual.
”Yo, Tatara! Ethelena too!” he said, grinning.
”Morning,” I replied.
”Hey, still full of energy, huh?” Ethelena said, smiling.
”That’s my thing!” he laughed, but his eyes betrayed something—he wanted a favor.
”What’re you hiding?” I asked bluntly.
”Huh? I’m not hiding anything…” he protested.
”Let me rephrase,” I said. “What do you want from me?”
He sighed, raising his hands in surrender. “Can’t fool you, huh?”
How long have we been friends? You’re a decade too early to hide stuff from me. He pulled a single-edged sword from his inventory—one I’d crafted on commission. Unsheathed, it had a massive chip in the blade.
”What happened to a guy with your skills?” I asked, frowning.
”Tried parrying an Ogre’s attack with Shirahadanagashi,” he said. “Got a bit messy.”
”An Ogre? Yeah, this blade’s too thin for that,” I said.
Unlike the sturdier double-edged swords used in Whirlwind, this katana-like blade lacked curvature, making parrying trickier. He’d probably used it like his usual sword and paid the price. Iron weapons were underpowered against Ogres, lacking the durability needed.
”Past the 15th floor, switch to steel—or better, demonsteel,” I advised. “Single-edged blades trade durability for sharpness, so they’re weaker than standard swords.”
”Demonsteel’s expensive, man,” he groaned. “I don’t have the savings.”
”Commission’s cheaper than buying outright,” I said. “Plus, a Goblin Lord drop could net you 30,000 easy.”
”Only you can say that,” he muttered.
Our stats differed clearly—my Earth Mother Series gave me an edge. But in combat ability, he outshone me. Calmys-san once told me I lacked “battle talent.” If our stats were equal, I’d barely win against other explorers. In a mock duel, I’d outsped him, but his strikes always aimed for vital points. To him, I was someone he could outskill. In exploration, weapons and stats handled monsters, but this guy could take them down with pure technique—an irregular. I figured he could even beat Yohira without Appraisal if their stats matched. Otherwise, no one our age, besides me with my cheat growth, could solo a Goblin Lord.
”Healing ointments eat up my cash,” he said. “Equipment maintenance too. No room for savings.”
”If ointments are an issue, grab a Regeneration Collar from the shop,” I suggested.
”How much?” he asked.
”Merchant guild says 500,000,” I replied.
”Are you insane!?” he shouted.
With 1,250 small mana stones or 90 million, I could craft something way better, I thought, but kept it to myself.
”I’ll take the sword,” I said.
”But I need it for afternoon class,” he protested.
”Express fee, 1,500, and I’ll fix it now,” I said. “Equipment or no, I can handle it.”
He gave me a stunned look. With mana stones, a chip like this was no problem. He handed over 1,500, and I pulled a mana stone from my inventory. Channeling its mana, I gathered trace iron to fill the chip, supplementing with mana for regeneration. The process took 2 minutes, 30 seconds. His eyes widened, and the class stared, captivated. Less than three minutes to change his world.
”Here,” I said, handing it back. “Emergency fix. If it chips again, bring it to the shop with an iron ingot for a proper repair.”
”Wow… crafting without equipment?” he said, awed.
”Don’t expect that from others,” I warned. “Apparently, I’m incomprehensible.”
I echoed words thrown at me before. Classmates glanced at the crafting students or shook their heads.
”Thanks, man,” he said. “I’ll come to you next time.”
”Only for my products,” I said.
”Deal!”
With that, homeroom began. After general classes, we moved to specialized training. In the workshop, I heard hurried footsteps—someone entered.
”Senpai,” Est said.
”Hey, Est,” I replied, sensing something. “What’s up?”
Est pulled a demonsteel ingot from her inventory and handed it to me. She’d kept her promise from last time.
”Congrats, Est,” I said. “Welcome to the other side.”
”Thanks,” she said, her face clear, like a weight had lifted. “I’m one step closer to you.”
I looked at her, moved. “How’s the Appraisal I taught you?”
”It’s fun,” she said, eyes bright. “Like I can know everything about the world.”
”Don’t let it consume you,” I warned.
”I won’t!” she said, grinning.
Her enthusiasm was infectious. Then the door burst open, and Shamir rushed in.
”Est! Don’t leave me behind!” Shamir huffed.
”You got scolded for sleeping in class,” Est shot back, merciless.
I watched their playful bickering, then clapped to get their attention. “Alright, enough fighting. Let’s start class.”
They nodded and sat. Today’s lesson: Shape Memory Alloy. I explained its basics and crafting process, noting it differed from demonsteel. Instead of transforming pure iron, it focused on manipulating internal carbon.
”When refining steel into Shape Memory Alloy,” I said, “it’s a bit different from demonsteel. You use Appraisal to observe the internal structure while Crafting to align non-iron elements.”
Est and Shamir tilted their heads, confused. I gave a wry smile and started a demonstration.
”You know steel is iron mixed with specific substances,” I said.
”Wait, really?” Shamir asked.
”We covered that in class, Shamir,” Est sighed.
Come on, Shamir, learn the basics.
”Without mana, these substances make iron hardest at specific ratios, turning it into steel,” I continued.
I avoided naming carbon outright. If they use Appraisal, they’ll figure it out. I wanted them to develop that habit, or my teaching would be pointless.
”Normally, these substances are chaotic inside, blocking paths or distorting the iron,” I explained.
I drew mana from the Mana Stone, channeling it into the steel ingot. Focusing on the scattered carbon and impurities within, I aligned them along the iron’s pathways. Once aligned, I expelled everything but the carbon, completing the Shape Memory Alloy.
”Like I just showed,” I said, “align the specific substance in the iron’s pathways, and… voila.”
As I spoke, I infused mana into the alloy, reshaping it from an ingot into thin threads.
”This lets you change its form,” I explained. “The shape depends on your mental image when channeling mana. With practice, you can control the form during or after crafting. Twist these together, and you’ve got Artificial Muscle.”
”Whoa, hold up!” Shamir and Est interrupted in unison.
”Watching with Appraisal,” Shamir said, “how do you align such tiny things so perfectly?”
”I’ve always been able to do it,” I said, shrugging.
”Before that,” Est added, “my demonsteel refining fails more often than it succeeds!”
”Really?” I asked, surprised.
”And Est only just learned Appraisal,” Shamir continued, “and hasn’t even mastered demonsteel yet!”
”Don’t lump me in with you,” Est snapped. “I nailed it first try.”
”Huh?” Shamir blinked, stunned.
Est grinned smugly. “After learning Senpai’s Appraisal, I practiced demonsteel at home. Ten out of ten successes. It’s about finesse, Shamir!”
”No way…” Shamir muttered, deflated.
”Nice, Est,” I said. “Sounds like you’re a natural for demonsteel.”
Apparently, Shamir only succeeded one or two times out of ten, struggling even with practice. Maybe they should team up, covering each other’s weaknesses? Probably a long shot.
”Alright,” I said, “let’s have you two try Shape Memory Alloy.”
”Yes!” they both replied eagerly.
Their enthusiasm was infectious. I’ll train them to surpass their original event.
Notes:
• Hinagiku – Karasu Tengu warrior appearing during Julon’s test battle. Fights him under Acting Head’s orders to gauge his skill. Later assists in arresting Ichige. Serves Torakuma clan. Allies with Julon. Fastest Tengu, proud but fair.
• Yohira – Torakuma’s first name.
• Calmys – War God’s knight, Mayor’s guard chief, whip-master hiding as a swordswoman; sharp tongue, big-sister vibe to Tatara, grants him and Ethelena church protection.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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