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

“I can’t believe my Zeetsunge had such a flaw…”

Hazan drooped his shoulders in disappointment. However, it seemed he had been unaware of the issue despite using it. He had his suspicions, it seemed.

“Hazan-san, don’t worry about it! Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.”

“Eh? Oh, yeah…”

Was Alecto trying to cheer him up with that remark? Clearly, Hazan was confused.

“Hazan, is that all you wanted to ask me? Whether the weapon works or not?”

Hazan looked even more disheartened, as if a weight was pressing down on him. It’s important to recognize weaknesses, but thinking about how to overcome them is also necessary.

“No, that’s not it. Actually, I’ve been a B-rank adventurer for quite some time, but I just can’t seem to reach A-rank.”

Hmm, I’m not very familiar with adventurer ranks nor particularly interested, but it seems he’s feeling the limits of his strength.

“So, of course, my skills might still be lacking, but I thought maybe trying a different weapon could reveal something new. Although, I had a hard time deciding since I went through a lot of trouble to get this sword from a dungeon.”

“Hmph, I don’t think it’s bad to be attached to things, but if you use a weapon that doesn’t suit you and end up injured or dead, it would be pointless.”

“Ah, that’s true. That’s why I’ve made up my mind. So, I would like to ask you again. Could you make me a magical weapon that suits me?”

“――Ho.”

This is an interesting request. The man is a musclehead, but he’s looking for a weapon that can help him excel.

“Hmm, I don’t mind taking on that task.”

“Really? That’s great. Of course, I’ll pay for it. I do earn quite a bit, you know.”

He said with a broad grin. Hmm, so B-rank adventurers earn that much? But I’m not too fond of the Adventurers’ Guild.

“Let’s talk about the budget later. But first, there’s something I need to say.”

“What is it? If you need something, I can hunt it down for you!”

“That’s not it. What I’m going to tell you concerns the maker of the weapon. The one who will construct the magic formula for this weapon is Alecto here. I’ll have Alecto do it.”

“Huh? That young lady?”

“Heh, is that so. I, me, eeeeeeek!”

Alecto leapt up in surprise, making quite a noise.

“What are you so surprised about? You can construct magical tools, right? You’ve been making magic bags, though they are still somewhat crude.”

“But, but, I’ve never made a magical weapon before…”

“That’s good then. Everything is a challenge. You’ll learn a new formula with this.”

“But, but,” Alecto was holding her head, but…

“I’ll teach as well, but Mei will help you with the basics. Of course, combined with the magic bag.”

“Understood.”

Mei agreed readily. Meanwhile, Alecto was still grumbling, but humans can manage when they try.

“Um, are you sure she can handle it?”

“I understand your concern.”

I added for reassurance that I’d be closely observing as well.

After finishing their conversation, Hazan left with a word of thanks.

I also wanted to stop by the Furenzu Commerce Guild, so it was a good opportunity.

◆　◇　◆

◇◆◇

Side Story

“What is the meaning of this, Guard!”

“I’m sorry…”

I had gone to Doyle Commerce Guild to report about the incident with the Magic Guild. Initially, they greeted me cheerfully, asking how it went, but upon hearing my report, they erupted like a wildfire, shouting and throwing the ashtray that was on the desk at me.

It hit my head, but I did not react, enduring a barrage of insults without raising my head. They also hit me repeatedly with some sort of stick.

I knew it; this man was like this. But I couldn’t just skip the report. It would only make him angrier.

“Huff, huff… Worthless! Incompetent people are no different from trash!”

“I’m very sorry… Additionally, I regret to bring this up, but about the matter of the platinum coins, could something be done?”

“Huh? Are you stupid? Why should I scrounge up 2500 platinum coins for trash like you?”

“But… the request form was prepared by—”

“What, are you trying to say this is my fault?”

“No, that’s not what I mean…”

“It’s your mistake, deal with it yourself. But you will have to make reparations here as well. Yes, pay me an equivalent sum in compensation.”

“…What?”

“Didn’t you hear? As compensation for the mistake, you owe me 2500 platinum coins.”

“That’s outrageous!”

“What’s so outrageous about it? Hmm, but I am not a devil. I’ll give you about 10 days to prepare it. If during that time you dare pay the Magic Guild before me, I won’t forgive you. And if you can’t pay, naturally your shop will become mine. Additionally, I might just sell your daughter who’s been working here as a slave to cover the debt. Your wife is somewhat attractive, so she might fetch a decent price. You, I might just send to a harsh mine. Yes, I’m a kind man. I even provide employment for those who can’t pay their debts.”

I felt the blood drain from my face. This man was not joking. He was serious. If I didn’t pay, he would carry out this ruthless act.

“Just so you know, if you even think about helping your wife or daughter escape, don’t. If you try anything like that, I’ll act immediately, regardless of the deadline. Don’t think you can run away from me.”

What a disaster, to be caught up in the schemes of such a man—what can I do now—

◇◆◇

Side Story: Mazel

“Again, we’ve caught the attention of troublesome people.”

I came to Furenzu Commerce Guild regarding a branding matter, but the documents were already prepared. The man is quick with his work.

And while making small talk, I also brought up the request from the Magic Guild.

“So, is Doyle Commerce Guild involved, targeting Alecto as we suspected?”

“Most likely. That man will use any means necessary to obtain what he desires. From what I hear, Miss Mei might also be targeted.”

“That would be foolhardy. Even an army might not be sufficient to take on Mei.”

“Ha, contrary to her appearance, I am indeed impressed by her strength.”

Unlike others, Furenzu doesn’t start with denial. There is no sign of doubt about Mei’s capabilities.

“However, it seems like B-rank adventurer Hazan doesn’t think too highly of Doyle Commerce Guild either.”

“That’s right… I don’t like to speak ill of fellow professionals, but their methods are quite forceful.”

“Forceful?”

“Yes, they’ve grown significantly in the last few years by incorporating existing guilds in town under their control. However, the quality of the shops under them has decreased, and prices have risen, all enforced by manipulative contracts.”

I see, that’s what they meant by forceful.

“By the way, the person who came with the request, did he look like this?”

Furenzu swiftly drew a sketch on paper. This man is quite skilled at drawing.

“Yes, that’s him.”

“I thought so…”

“Do you know him?”

“Yes. He runs Guard Commerce Guild. They mainly deal in equipment.”

“What he asked from me was for athlete’s foot medicine.”

“That’s likely just a choice to entrap the Magic Guild. They don’t deal in medicines.”

“Is that so? It won’t bring in any money then. What’s he planning to do with 2500 platinum coins?”

“Ha… about that, would it be alright if I handled that matter?”

“Hmm? Handle it?”