That Time a Shut-in for 300 Years Continued to Make Antiques , but All of It Turned out to Be Cheat-Level Magic Tools - Chapter 42

“Ha ha ha! If this is all it takes, I’ll help out anytime!”

While patting my back with a thud, Hazan spoke proudly. Hmph, but he sure is a strong man, this Hazan.

The clothes I’m wearing have high defensive capabilities against attacks, but they aren’t made to affect everyday activities. This man does it without malice, as a form of his own kind of affection, so I can’t complain.

“As a result, it was helpful, but can’t you carry yourself with a bit more dignity? You’re no different from the others around you when you’re like that.”

“Eh? No, no, that’s not true. I did it with the intention of being noble, you know?”

You’ve got to be kidding me… That’s his standard for nobility? Well, nobility is often… No, there are quite a few uncouth ones too, yeah.

“By the way, brother. We talked about it while dealing with the magical beasts, but are you going to make a magical tool with that material?”

“That’s why, brother—ah, never mind. I’m going to make a Magic Bag with this material.”

“It’s amazing. It’s a Magic Bag that can hold up to 1000kg!”

“Really, I figured as much. I heard that the Furenzu Commerce Guild was selling such Magic Bags.”

Hmm, so Hazan had heard about it too. We hadn’t distributed many of them though.

“The Furenzu Commerce Guild is well-known in town, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, the owner there is generous, and he listens to the customers’ requests properly. Lately, they’ve been outshined by the Doyle Commerce Guild, but I prefer Furenzu Commerce Guild.”

Hearing this, Alecto flinched. That’s right, this woman was targeted by the Doyle Commerce Guild.

“What exactly is the Doyle Commerce Guild?”

“Ah, the Doyle Commerce Guild has gained momentum over the last few years. They seem to be favored by the current lord, but honestly, their reputation isn’t that good.”

“Hmm, the lord, huh? Hmm, lord?”

“My lord. On our way to this town, the person we helped was…”

I remembered with Mei’s words. They were attacked by a Black Dog, belonging to the count’s family who rules this area.

“By the way, brother. If you can make such magical tools, are you also knowledgeable about magical weapons?”

“Hmph, what a foolish question. I have hammered into my head knowledge about magical tools of all kinds, from ancient times to the present.”

“Wow, that’s amazing. And you’re still so young.”

“Don’t call me small!”

“My lord has a bit of a complex about his appearance…”

“You don’t need to say that!”

“My apologies.”

“Hey, hey, don’t scold Mei-chan like that. She’s still a child, and she’s been a big help, right?”

“That’s right~ Mehh! Exactly.”

Ugh, why does it seem like I’m the one in the wrong here?

“Ha ha, Mei-chan should speak up when she needs to.”

“You have no right to call Mei-chan like that.”

“Ah, yes, sorry…”

Mei spoke with a chillingly cold gaze, causing Hazan to shrink back completely. Mei can be quite unforgiving.

“So, what is it that you want to show me?”

“Ah, that’s right. This is my beloved sword, Zeetsunge.”

Hazan placed the large sword he carried on his back onto the table, and I decided to take a look.

“Well, what do you think?”

“What do I think? Why are you using such an incomprehensible sword?”

“Incomprehensible…”

“Ah, but it seems strong, it’s wide, and it has some magical power, right?”

“Ah, watch this.”

Returning the sword to Hazan, he held it and began to infuse it with magic. I could tell just by looking, but the broad sword expanded and transformed into a shield that covered his entire body.

“Wow! Isn’t that amazing! Did you buy it somewhere?”

“No, this was a spoils of war when I was exploring a dungeon.”

“That explains it. But it still makes no sense. Is there any good in using such an antique so carefully?”

“Hey, that’s rude, Edson-kun!”

“What’s rude about it? Especially since he asked us to look at it. He must have some dissatisfaction with it himself.”

Hazan then rubbed the back of his head and scratched his cheek.

“It seems you hit the nail on the head.”

Mei said. Naturally. If there were no problems, he wouldn’t talk like this.

“No, at first I was happy with it. It fit my hand well and wasn’t bad. But as I used it, it just didn’t feel right.”

“That’s only natural. Instead of making such a sorry face, you should be happier. Just realizing that shows there’s still hope for you.”

“Uh, hope? I’m a B-rank adventurer, you know…”

“So what? No matter what rank you have, if you don’t even understand the good and bad of the weapon you’re using, you’re just a foolish man with no value.”

“Edson-kun, you’re just a child, but you act all grown-up and arrogant, don’t you?”

“Be quiet.”

“Such a wordy woman. After all, I’m only stating the obvious.”

“But, what exactly is wrong with it?”

“I can’t really say what exactly is wrong.”

“Good grief, even though you can sense that much, you’re still helpless. Mei, you understand, don’t you?”

“Yes, I understood immediately.”

“Really…?”

“Since we’re at it, why not go outside and have a little spar? That should make it clear.”

We stepped outside the Magic Guild. There, Hazan and Mei faced each other.

“I’m not keen on fighting a woman…”

“I’m not asking you to fight seriously. And let me make it clear, Mei is far stronger than you. Even if there were ten thousand Hazans, she would crush them in a second.”

“That much? No, wait, it’s hard when such a beautiful and erotic maid is…”

It’s pathetic that a B-rank adventurer like him is swayed by appearances.

“Anyway, you’ll quickly understand the flaw in your weapon if you try fighting with Mei. Go ahead and start.”

“Okay—” “Whoa!”

Mei moved, closing the distance and launching punches and kicks. Hazan used his sword as a shield to block them.

“It’s quite fast, but my weapon is designed for both offense and defense. Especially against an unarmed opponent, I won’t be easily beaten.”

“I see! Using its width for defense as well, truly an all-in-one weapon.”

Offense and defense in one? Nonsense. But now I understand. He misconstrues because he sees the weapon that way.

“Mei, you can increase your speed.”

“Yes.” “Wha—this, uh!”

As Mei increased her speed, her range of motion also expanded. Her frontal concentrated attacks transitioned to a fan-shaped assault, incorporating steps and even aerial moves, forcing Hazan to deal with attacks not just from the sides but also from above and below.

“Damn, activate Zeetsunge!”

He infused magic into the magical sword, unleashing its power. The sword transformed, covering his entire body like a wall, but it only protected the front.

“Ugh!”

The moment the sword changed shape, Mei circled to his back and wrapped her arm around Hazan’s neck to choke him. He flailed and struggled.

“That’s enough, it’s clear now.” “Yes, my lord.”

As Mei released her grip, Hazan coughed violently and knelt on the ground.

“Seriously? I didn’t notice at all when she circled behind me…”

“Of course. Haven’t you realized yet? When you infuse your weapon with magic, it changes shape. While it can withstand frontal attacks, it also blocks your field of vision.”

“Ahhhhhhh!”

Hazan’s eyes widened as he shouted, finally realizing the issue. He’s slow to catch on.

“So, what’s the problem with that?”

“It’s a major problem. Hazan, as you can see, is a musclehead.”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

Not really. It’s quite straightforward.

“Anyway, you’re clearly a warrior type, focused on offensive tactics. What use is such a weapon for someone like you? You mentioned it’s all-in-one, but that’s nonsense. That sword is clearly a defensive magic weapon. It completely negates your strengths.”

“What did you say?!”