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

Chapter 42 How to use a Shield

“Ah! It’s such a beautiful day today!”

We arrived at the Seven Colored Forest and began our search for the sacred artifact under Gem’s guidance.

It was just before noon. Gentle sunlight filtered through the trees, warmly illuminating our path.

Walking ahead of us, Gem squinted slightly at the sunlight and stretched her back.

“When the sacred artifact was stolen from me, the sun was just as warm, and I ended up sitting on a tree stump and basking in the sun.”

“…That’s dangerous, so it’s better not to do it again.”

Sure, the weather is nice, but it’s better to be cautious in this area.

Where does this person’s mysterious ‘composure’ come from?

Even now, she’s walking quite a distance ahead of us without the sacred artifact.

While her leading us is very helpful, I wish she’d be a bit more aware of the danger.

“Uh, please stay as close to us, or rather to Dia, as possible. We never know when or where monsters might attack.”

“Understood!”

Did she really get it? She seems so airy, like ‘a person made of clouds.’

Not having the sacred artifact means she’s completely defenseless against monsters.

Although in a semi-equipped state, she might receive some benefit from the artifact, it’s probably not enough to actually fight.

So I urged her to stay close to Dia and me.

Gem, with a bashful smile like a scolded child, moved closer to Dia.

Now I feel relieved. It’s like being a father with a mischievous daughter.

“Even so, Dia’s sacred artifact is really interesting.”

“Huh?”

Gem, who had moved closer to Dia, was staring intently at the Immortal Great Shield with a serious expression. Dia shrank back, looking uneasy as her artifact was scrutinized.

“I’ve never seen a shield artifact before. I’ve never heard of anyone receiving such an artifact in Gray Village either.”

“I-Is that so…?”

“Hey, if it’s alright, could you show me its properties? I’m curious about how amazing the artifact is that makes Rust trust Dia so much!”

“U-Um, sure.”

Dia hesitantly handed her artifact to Gem, who was brimming with curiosity. I wondered if Dia was uncomfortable around Gem. Knowing Dia, who seemed even less adept at socializing than I am, she might be feeling overwhelmed by Gem’s forwardness. Gem’s loud voice could also be a factor making Dia uneasy.

Come to think of it, while Gem and I were talking, Dia had been silent the entire time. Unlike me, who was talking a lot, Dia’s words had significantly decreased.

…Well, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“Wow, an unbreakable artifact! It really is amazing! With this, you have nothing to fear!”

“I-Is that so…?”

Gem praised the Immortal Great Shield excitedly after seeing its abilities, but Dia seemed to lose confidence, her shoulders drooping. Then, she muttered something I’d heard from her before.

“Sure, it doesn’t break, but it doesn’t have any attack power, so I can’t defeat demons. Doesn’t that make it a defective artifact?”

…She still thought that.

She must be happy to receive Gem’s praise for her artifact, but she couldn’t bring herself to accept it due to her lingering insecurities.

Feeling that I had to do something, I was about to speak up to support Dia, but Gem spoke first.

“Mm, you’re right that with this shield artifact, you can’t defeat demons. But depending on how you use it, I think it can still show amazing power.”

“Use it…?”

I tilted my head in confusion, much like Dia beside me.

“What do you mean by ‘how I use it’?”

“Well, there are various ways to use it… After all, adventurers don’t just face demons, right?”

At Gem’s response, I suddenly realized.

That’s right, adventurers don’t only deal with demons.

“They” are also our enemies.

“I’m not familiar with it, but there’s a malicious group that uses artifacts bestowed by the gods for crimes… What are they called again?”

“The Renegade Apostates?”

“Yeah, that’s it. It’s also an adventurer’s job to crack down on those Renegade Apostates, isn’t it?”

Even after saying this much, Dia still didn’t seem to fully grasp it.

Seeing this, Gem placed a reassuring hand on her hip and continued to advise Dia in a somewhat sisterly manner.

“So, in other words, while a shield artifact can’t defeat demons, Renegade Apostates are still human. Even without attack power, hitting them with a shield should hurt a lot. It might not work against demons, but against humans, it’s definitely a ‘weapon.’ So, don’t be too discouraged. Dia-chan, you have great potential as an adventurer. Have more confidence in your artifact!”

Gem encouraged Dia and patted her shoulder.

Dia, on the other hand, was stunned by this unexpected advice.

…I never thought about using it like that.

It can’t defeat demons because it lacks attack power, but hitting humans with it should hurt.

There’s no worry about it breaking, and it could be quite effective in interpersonal combat.

Plus, even against demons, using the shield for attacks could be effective as a deterrent.

If it works out well, it might be able to create openings for my attacks.

As I pondered this far…

“…”

Dia remained silent.

I glanced briefly at Dia and shook my head at my own thoughts.

“Hitting with a shield.”

It might indeed be an effective way to use it, but whether Dia herself can do that is another story. Dia is gentler and more timid than anyone else. Can she really bring herself to strike someone with a shield?

Well, even before that, if Dia had been bestowed with a weapon-type artifact like a sword or spear—or even a “normal weapon,” could she really bring herself to harm someone?

“…No.”

I thought to myself now.

I’m truly glad that Dia received a shield artifact.

I believe she shouldn’t have to hurt anyone. Instead of becoming an adventurer who defeats demons, I want her to be one who protects people from demons, without pushing herself too hard.

I’ll handle defeating the enemies instead.

In any case, thanks to Gem’s advice, Dia’s potential has undoubtedly grown.

Gem has quite an interesting way of thinking.

Grateful in my heart, Dia finally spoke up.

“T-Thank you, Gem-san.”

“No need for thanks, really. I didn’t say anything special. Plus, you showed me your artifact’s properties. It’s just returning the favor. Oh, and also, this is just a hunch of mine…”

“…?”

“I think there’s still ‘tremendous potential’ sleeping in this shield artifact. So, please believe in this child a little bit more.”

Saying this, she handed Immortal Great Shield back to Dia.

…What could she mean by that?

Is there really tremendous potential still dormant? What basis does she have for saying that?

Are these words meant to further encourage Dia?

Anyway, after Gem’s advice, Dia’s expression softened, as if her heart had lightened.

Well, if Dia feels better about it, maybe that’s all that matters.

It seems Gem has a talent for uplifting people, so I’ll correct my earlier description.

Gem isn’t like a cloud—she’s like the sun.

“By the way, I wonder what Rust-kun’s artifact is? Could it be that rusty sword hanging on your back, Rust-kun?”

Now she seemed curious about my artifact.