When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword

Chapter 15 Unconsciousness

Name: Immortal Great Shield

Rank: A

Level: 5

Attack Power: 0

Benefits: Strength +50, Durability +240, Agility +0, Magic Power +50, Vitality +220

Skill: [Immortality]

Durability: ∞/∞

What’s with this durability value? It’s showing a number I’ve never seen before. Could there be an anomaly in the properties? Moreover, this [Immortal Great Shield] is surprisingly an ‘A Rank’ sacred treasure. Just like Ruby’s [Flame Dragon Great Sword], it’s the highest-ranking artifact, a rarity housing exceptional talent. To top it off, it possesses a skill I’ve never seen before.

[Immortality]

- - - The durability of the artifact does not decrease.

- - - Grants poison resistance to the wielder.

- - - Grants curse resistance to the wielder.

“Thanks to the [Immortality] skill, my shield’s durability doesn’t decrease. That’s probably why the durability value in the properties is showing a strange number. Also, poison and curses don’t affect me. So, well, there’s absolutely no worry about my artifact or me breaking.”

“…”

Speaking so matter-of-factly, the silver-haired girl seemed completely unaware that she was saying anything extraordinary. It seemed apparent that she lacked knowledge about artifacts and combat.

Given her apparent lack of understanding, I decided to open my mouth again to make her realize the greatness of her own artifact.

“This [Immortal Great Shield] is an incredible artifact!”

“Huh? I-is that so?”

“Yes! While it might not have attack power to defeat demons, there’s no worry about the artifact breaking and losing its benefits. It seems to grant various resistances to the wielder, making it truly an immortal shield! You should have confidently said, ‘I have the power to protect myself!’ with more self-assurance!”

“…”

With my lavish praise, Dia was left gaping, her mouth hanging open, and then she gradually blushed like heated iron. Once again, she hid her expression behind the shield.

I couldn’t fathom why she was so embarrassed. She should have more confidence. Even when facing those three, if she had said with confidence, “I have the power to protect myself.” If she had acknowledged her strength correctly and confidently asserted herself, maybe things wouldn’t have turned out that way.

Her talent shone brightly. I felt as if I had discovered a treasure that everyone else had overlooked.

“Th-that’s too much praise, Rust-san. It’s not really something to make such a fuss about…”

“No, no, Dia, you should be aware of your own greatness. Besides, it seems like your level is still going to rise, and with the benefit of ‘Magic Power,’ you might eventually learn some

powerful enchantment spells. I’m really looking forward to it!”

“Well, enchantment spells are generally used for increasing attack power or special attacks, so the hope of acquiring them for a shield artifact is slim.”

However, since the artifact’s rank is A, there’s a considerable chance of awakening some new power. With expectations for the future, it’s truly an exciting artifact. All that’s left is for Dia to have “confidence” in her own power and stand before everyone…

Having confirmed each other’s strength in two battles, we decided to resume the search for the “test dolls.” Just as we were about to start walking again…

“Hmm?”

Something appeared at the edge of my field of vision, and I instinctively stopped. The same small creature from earlier jumped out of the bushes. Something eye-catching was visible there—specifically, something resembling a human “hand.”

Although I was about to exclaim in surprise, the hand appeared somewhat mechanical, and I focused my eyes on it.

“That’s…?”

Approaching the thicket, I pulled the hand, revealing a doll dressed in a gothic Lolita outfit.

A doll that looked familiar from somewhere…

“Could this be the ‘test doll’ for passing the adventurer’s exam?”

“…I believe so.”

Dia and I exchanged glances to confirm. Indeed, this was the same as the test doll the examiner had.

Why was it here in this thicket?

“Could it be something that the small creature from earlier had? It jumped out of this thicket earlier…”

“Ah, I see. So, that small creature from earlier might be what the examiner called a ‘Snatch Thief’?”

“Yeah… it seems that way.”

I see. It all makes sense now.

If that small creature is a Snatch Thief, it explains why it persistently clung to our artifacts. Snatch Thieves have a habit of taking things humans possess. It was trying to snatch our artifacts from our hands. It seems it would target equipped artifacts without exception.

If we weren’t careful, [Cursed Magic Sword] or [Immortal Great Shield] might have been taken. As long as they weren’t destroyed, the benefits wouldn’t disappear, but losing the ability to use magic and skills would have been unacceptable.

In any case, it’s a relief that everything ended without any issues.

“For now, we’ve got one. Let’s find another quickly and pass the exam together.”

“Y-yes!”

With that, we obtained one ‘test doll’ and began searching for the second. Since both of us are taking the exam, we definitely want to secure another one. However, if it seems like we won’t make it in time, I’ve decided to let Dia have this one.

Honestly, I feel like Dia is more talented than me. If one of us were to become an adventurer first, she would be the better choice. Once everyone recognizes her abilities, she’ll likely receive offers to join many parties. Moreover, even if she were to fail this exam, there’s a possibility of getting a recommendation if someone takes notice of her.

I can’t just leave Dia behind and pass the exam alone. After all, my artifacts are either the weak [Rusty Sword] or the [Cursed Magic Sword] that steals the user’s health. I’m utterly unreliable.

While thinking about this, just as we were about to resume the search for the test dolls…

“Oh, Dia, what a coincidence to meet you here.”

Suddenly, a girl’s voice came from behind. Completely caught off guard, we hastily turned around. And there they were…

“Ah, you guys…”

It was the trio of girls who heartlessly dismissed Dia’s plea at the beginning of the exam.