Chapter 55 - Curious Naaza
While Lili and the others went to bathe, Orsted remained on guard nearby.
Sitting on the ground, he examined the materials in his hands, contemplating their potential uses.
These were Minotaur horns—drop items known for their exceptional hardness, making them ideal for forging weapons.
Orsted was now considering what kind of equipments he could craft from them.
On a previous trip with Lili, Minotaur horns had dropped after he defeated them.
Back then, lacking a way to process, he'd sold them off.
But now, having acquired the Development Ability of forging, Orsted could put these materials to good use.
"Although Lili uses Sun Breathing in combat, she prefers dagger-type weapons," he mused.
"However, Sun Breathing requires a sword to maximize its potential—using a dagger would weaken its power."
"In that case, a compromise might work: a short Katana, like the kind Ichimaru Gin wielded."
"As for Tifa, her attacks rely on fists and gloves."
"Ordinary combat gloves aren't quite suitable for her style. I'll research and craft a magic item tailored for her."
"For Lili's weapon, I'll experiment—combine the Mystery and Forging to see if I can create a magic sword that absorbs mana and is indestructible."
"For Naaza, an archer who uses a bow and arrows, retrieving arrows after every shot is a hassle."
"I'll craft a quiver that automatically recovers them—much more convenient. If possible, I'll also work on making her arrows as durable as an indestructible weapon."
Staring at the materials on the ground, Orsted muttered to himself.
Naturally, the items for Lili and Tifa would be free, as they were his familia members.
For Naaza, though not a familia member, he'd charge only a modest fee as a fellow party member.
With his plans set, Orsted got to work.
Lili's weapon would require proper forging tools, which he didn't have on hand—unlike magic items, weapons couldn't be shaped solely with mana.
Tifa's gloves, however, could be crafted directly as magic items.
Selecting a Minotaur horn and gathering additional materials from Lili's backpack, Orsted began the process.
A blue light flared as his mana enveloped the materials, lifting them into the air, wrapped in a glowing aura.
Meanwhile, Lili, Tifa, and Naaza were bathing in a nearby pool.
"What a dreamlike scene!" Tifa murmured, gazing at the ceiling with a hint of awe.
Though she knew this was a fantasy world, the sight of glowing crystals illuminating the cavern instead of sunlight still amazed her.
"The ceiling is studded with luminous crystals that brighten and dim," Naaza explained gently.
"They seem to shift with the surface's day and night cycle."
"When it's daytime above, the crystals glow; when it's night, the safe floor darkens. Judging by their light now, nightfall is probably near."
"Let's finish bathing soon and set up camp."
"I see," Tifa replied, nodding in understanding.
She glanced at Lili, who sat beside her, eyes fixed on Orsted's direction.
"Lili, why are you staring over there?" Tifa asked, puzzled.
"Are you worried Orsted might peek?" Naaza teased, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
It was meant as a joke, but Lili nodded earnestly.
"Yeah."
Naaza's smirk froze.
She sank halfway into the water, stunned.
Tifa, unfazed, merely raised an eyebrow in mild surprise—she didn't mind if Orsted saw her, so she didn't react strongly.
"Lili, what happened when you and Orsted came down here?"
Naaza asked, half her face submerged, bubbles rising as she spoke.
Realizing she might have said too much, Lili stiffened.
After a moment, she let out a dry laugh, hoping to brush it off.
But Naaza and Tifa weren't buying it.
They fixed her with expectant stares, silently pressing her to spill the details.
Unable to withstand their gazes, Lili's cheeks flushed slightly as she recounted what had happened on their last visit.
Even as adventurers, girls couldn't resist a good gossip session.
By the end of Lili's tale—Naaza and Tifa's eyes sparkled with intrigue.
Unaware of the commotion, Orsted had finished crafting Tifa's gloves.
Orsted imbued the gloves with the maximum potential the materials could support: they could amplify Tifa's strikes from one to five times their normal power.
Worn by her, they'd let her hit with fivefold strength—though overusing that power risked damaging the item.
"Done."
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