When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword - Chapter 35
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- Chapter 35 - Training
When I Tried Strengthening 【Rusted Sword】, It Evolved Into An Overpowered Magic Sword
Chapter 35 Training
After finishing the request report, we left the guild and strolled through the now fully darkened town. When we were at the fountain square, the sun was setting, and it seemed that night had fallen while we were discussing matters at the guild.
Light leaked from the town’s houses, and lively commotion could be heard from the taverns. In Red Village, there were rarely people out and about at this hour, but in the town, it was rather noisy from this time onward.
In the midst of it all, I continued down the main street of the town, still holding the hand of the silent Dia. Eventually, we turned into a deserted alley, and there I finally released Dia’s hand. After confirming that there was no one around, I spoke up.
“What Charm-san told us earlier…”
“Y-Yes.”
It seemed that Dia was aware she would be asked about it and responded promptly. I had chosen this secluded path to discuss it, thinking it might be something she didn’t want others to overhear.
Upon reflection, I realized that when Dia first shared that story, we were at a table in a restaurant. Perhaps Dia wasn’t too concerned about it. Maybe my consideration was unnecessary. With these thoughts, I continued.
“Could there be any connection between Dia’s parents’ disappearance and what’s happening there? Bluestoria adventurers have reportedly gone to an area and never returned,” I asked.
“I don’t know. While I did notice some similarities with my parents’ situation, declaring a direct connection based on that alone is…” Dia replied, wearing a troubled expression.
“Besides, in the case of my parents, they went missing after heading to a specific area called ‘Shiragane Kutsu’. It doesn’t seem like they disappeared in a specific area, and it feels a bit different from my parents’ situation,” she continued.
“…You might be right,” I admitted.
Honestly, I had the same thoughts. The current events in Bluestoria involved adventurers going missing, not necessarily in a particular area but simply not returning after taking on a quest. Following Charm-san’s suggestion, it would be natural to assume they gave up on completing the request and fled. Even if they were involved in some incident, it seemed unlikely to be directly connected to Dia’s parents.
Additionally, the missing adventurers were all reported to be Bronze to Gold class. On the other hand, Dia’s parents were supposedly Platinum-class adventurers. Considering this, it seemed more plausible that Dia’s parents’ situation was unrelated.
Well, even if it was unrelated, it remained an intriguing incident in its own right.
“Well, let’s set aside this matter for now,” Dia said.
“…Dia.”
“Thinking about it here won’t change anything, and we have plenty of things we need to focus on. So let’s concentrate on our own situation for now.”
Dia’s expression seemed to strain just a bit as she spoke. I couldn’t help but furrow my brows. Perhaps she wanted to go to Bluestoria to investigate the adventurers’ disappearances. Maybe my unilateral direction of the conversation created an atmosphere making it difficult for her to bring it up.
“Don’t make that face. I’m fine. I’ve been silent for so long, I must have worried you,” she reassured.
“N-No, not worried, just…,” I stammered.
“It’s true that it’s a bit concerning, but we should focus on our own matters for now. Besides, I have a habit of closing my mouth when I’m lost in thought. I’m not really overthinking it that much.”
So, there’s no need to worry. Dia flashed her usual smile. While I understood the habit of closing one’s mouth while lost in thought, the concern lingered.
Still, if Dia said she was fine, there was nothing more I could say. Her opinion about focusing on our own matters was valid. We couldn’t afford to stand still. Instead of going to the risky Bluestoria, we should steadily achieve results in Milchronde. The guild in this town had the reliable Charm-san, and we should cherish the current environment with her support.
At least, it seemed like tomorrow we would get a well-paying request, and whether we go to Bluestoria or not could be considered after that.
Having finished discussing our future plans, we returned to the main street from the alley. Suddenly, Dia, who just moments ago seemed quite serious, let out a surprisingly bright voice, as if her previous demeanor was a complete lie.
“So, what about you, Rust-san? What are you planning to do after this?”
“After this?”
“How about grabbing dinner together? It’s gotten a bit late, and I haven’t eaten anything since we got back… unless you’ve already eaten.”
“Oh, right.”
I suddenly recalled that indeed, I hadn’t had anything since returning to town. While Dia seemed to have had a drink, it appeared to be just a single glass. Normally, it was our habit to finish the request report quickly and head straight to a budget-friendly diner, but today, we got caught up in conversation until late.
Considering that, maybe we could go together now…
As I pondered this, I belatedly realized something.
“Sorry. How about we call it a day for today? If we stay out too late, the town guards might start asking questions. I’d like to go early and finish quickly.”
Dia didn’t ask the question, and knowing the situation, she instantly grasped the meaning behind my somewhat vague words.
“Again, ‘training’?”
“Yeah. I make sure not to miss it every day. I’m already falling behind everyone else, and I want to get used to this artifact as soon as possible.”
I lightly tapped the hilt of the sword on my back with my right thumb.
Since the day I decided to become stronger, I’ve been consistently ‘training.’ It’s a grassy square just outside the town walls, a bit of a walk from the East Gate. This place, with a single cedar tree standing, is my special training ground. It’s quiet with no one around, and there’s nothing to get in the way, making it an ideal spot for training.
Well, if it were combat training against monsters to strengthen the artifact, I’d have to go to a danger zone area. But in my case, the purpose is different. The square just outside the town is more than enough.
“Well then, shall we call it a day here?”
“Yeah. Sorry for inviting you to dinner and then canceling.”
“No, no. It must be tough after a request, but be careful with your training. So, tomorrow…?”
“As usual, meet at the fountain square at 9 AM. See you tomorrow, Dia.”
“Yes!”
And with a mutual ‘good job,’ we parted ways for the day.
Afterward, Dia headed towards the inn where she was staying, and I walked towards the East Gate of the town.
As Dia mentioned, there’s a bit of fatigue after a request, but there’s no time to rest.
I need to get used to my artifact as soon as possible and learn to wield it skillfully.
To become stronger, to catch up with that person…
Besides, I surprisingly don’t mind this kind of modest effort.
Completely forgetting the slight fatigue I felt, I briskly dashed through the town’s main street in high spirits.