"On the contrary," Daisuke said coolly, his eyes glinting with the sharpness of a devil about to broker a deal. "If you agree to my request," he paused, letting the weight of his words settle, "I'll help you free the elves."
"…!"
"…!"
Daisuke's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Looks like I was right."
"H-How could you possibly know about the elves?" she asked incredulously. "The guards outsourced from the guild aren't permitted beyond the outer courtyard—so how did you—"
Daisuke frowned expectantly.
"Ah—" the woman caught herself, shutting her mouth as realization dawned. I didn't escape last night… Her lips pressed into a tense line. He let me go after linking the runes to the dagger. If he overpowered me that easily… who knows what else he's capable of?
"So?" The elf folded her arms across her chest, a feigned display of composure. "You mentioned being willing to help if I agreed to your request. What is it?"
The clerk swallowed, her nerves on edge. She couldn't shake the image of the silver-haired boy with devil horns and a tail. And then, her mind wandered further—to her boss, bound and gagged in her birthday suit while being deliciously teased and tormented, her stern personality giving way to utter subservience. Swaying breasts, enticing curves, smooth slopes and surfaces—her silky white skin flushed under the sting of a leather flogger.
The girl quickly pushed the fantasy—thought aside, refocusing as the boy opened his mouth to utter his vile demands, his voice cold and demanding.
Daisuke inhaled, his lips parting. "I want you to…"
Both women leaned forward in anticipation—Josephine's eagerness verging on something almost improper. "To?" they prompted in unison.
"MAKE. ME. NEW. WEAPONS!!" Daisuke bellowed in distress. "I've been stuck with these two lousy daggers since the beginning of time! I'm thankful for the trials they've helped me survive, but it's beyond time for an upgrade!"
"…"
"…"
Silence stretched.
Then—
"Pff," the elf tittered, and before long, she was laughing uncontrollably, clutching her stomach and shaking with the force of it. Even the clerk couldn't hold back a smile, her lips curling at the unexpected turn.
The elf wiped away a tear when the laughter subsided. "I thought you were going to demand my father's dagger or even try to take over the shop as payment for your help... but all you want is for me to craft you new weapons? Well, I can certainly do that."
Daisuke shot the girl a glowering look. "You'd understand my frustration if you fought half the monsters I have with these things," he muttered, a touch of petulance in his tone as he summoned the daggers.
Both women began inspecting the weapons.
"Just yesterday, I had to take down an Armored Arachnid with these," he added with a grim frown.
The humor in the room evaporated instantly, and both women felt the color drain from their faces.
The elven blacksmith scrutinized the Lipanthyer's Fang, noting the numerous dings and scratches on the blade, the telltale signs of extended combat with tough opponents. "You…you fought an Armored Arachnid with this dagger?" she asked, incredulity in her voice.
Josephine offered a nervous, awkward smile. "But surely your party members helped, right? With better weapons?"
Daisuke raised an eyebrow, his expression weary. "Party?" he muttered, shaking his head. "What're you talking about? I said I defeated the Armored Arachnid with these daggers. That means I did it on my own."
Both women stood in stunned silence.
Finally, the elf's gaze flickered back down to the dagger, her mind racing. These weapons are rudimentary at best—how has he managed to survive with these for so long? And to slay a creature as formidable as an Armored Arachnid… could he be some kind of monster himself?
Monster.
As the unsavory word lingered in her mind, her thoughts spiraled back to the eerie glow of his golden eyes behind the black mask. Last night, when faced with that dark specter, any other decision could have cost her dearly. The weight of that reality sent a chill down her spine.
Her relieved laughter now felt like a mistake. At any moment, he could revert to the fiend who had threatened her life. It was crucial they stayed in his good graces.
"…My name is Tiphanna," the elf introduced herself with as much sincerity as she could muster. "Tiphanna Eryndoril, and this is my assistant, Josephine."
The clerk bowed her head politely, feeling regretful for even remotely contemplating attacking him earlier.
"My name is Haxks."
"Haxks… I owe you an apology," Tiphanna said, her voice heavy with regret. "I shouldn't have dismissed your request so abruptly. I've been consumed with worry... it's difficult to focus on blacksmithing when those children need me." Her delicate brows furrowed in distress.
Josephine lowered her gaze, clearly ashamed.
"There's no need to apologize," Daisuke replied with a quiet understanding. "I've been in similar situations more times than I care to admit, so I get it.
Rest assured," he continued, his eyes gleaming with genuine resolve. "I'll help you rescue the children. We'll see it through. However, once we've done that, I need your word that you'll hold up your end of the bargain."
Daisuke's expression shifted, his eyes darkening with a hint of urgency… and danger. "Believe it or not, something dark and sinister is taking shape in the kingdom right now. The effort that you invest into making these weapons, Tiphanna Eryndoril… will largely determine whether this kingdom stays afloat or crumbles."
Both women exchanged uneasy glances before nodding in agreement. Then Tiphanna turned and started heading toward the back of the shop "Follow me," she muttered, then her pear green eyes half-lidded in contemplation.
Even if his claim about the state of the kingdom is false, it still wouldn't be in our best interest to defy him. Besides, I don't see how this arrangement is to our disadvantage—he's clearly powerful, which increases our chances of freeing the children. And, from what I can tell, I'll get the chance to work with some rare materials.
"So," Daisuke murmured, his gaze shifting to the rune-etched key as he followed her around the counter. "What was your plan for the key? Was it meant to unlock the mysterious door to get to the children?"
Tiphanna nodded, her lips curving into a confident smile. "Exactly. That door has been my greatest hurdle. I forged the key with runes designed to dismantle the magic seal placed on it. It's the only way I could think to get through."
A muscle twitched in Daisuke's jaw. That door's definitely a hassle. Even with the Eye of Verity, I could barely make out anything inside that building. I caught glimpses of the children, but who knows what else is lurking in there.
Daisuke's thoughts trailed off as he stepped into the workshop. The moment he crossed the threshold, he was met with an overwhelming sense of order—everything had its place, every tool meticulously arranged, and not a single speck of dust dared to settle on the polished surfaces.
How the heck do you even prevent dust from accumulating inside of a blacksmith? Daisuke thought in absolute awe.
The walls were lined with weapons of superb craftsmanship, each blade, axe, and spear mounted with precision.
But what truly caught his eye were the rune-etched weapons displayed with utmost reverence. Glowing inscriptions pulsed faintly along the edges of finely honed steel, their patterns reminiscent of the ancient symbols he had seen on Sinister Granny's fingernails.
Tiphanna moved through the space with practiced ease, her delicate elven features alight with quiet pride. Every motion, from the way she adjusted a hammer's placement to the way she traced a rune with a calloused fingertip, spoke volumes of her dedication.
"This is my world," she said, a hint of warmth in her voice as she glanced at him. "Every piece here is a story waiting to be told."
Daisuke couldn't help but be impressed. The sheer level of craftsmanship, the attention to detail—it was unlike anything he had ever seen. He ran his fingers lightly over the hilt of a sword resting on the workbench, feeling the energy humming beneath its surface.
"You don't just forge weapons," he murmured, eyes flicking to the runes. "You bring them to life."
Tiphanna's lips curved slightly. "Exactly."
"This is definitely a far cry from what the other blacksmiths are capable of," Daisuke smiled. "I was right to wait and put all my faith in you."
The elf beamed at the compliment as she stepped toward a half-finished piece on the anvil, her fingers brushing over its still-cooling surface. "Combining runesmithing and blacksmithing is more than just carving symbols into a material—it's about understanding the essence of the metal, the intent behind the blade and each rune symbol. My father taught me that."
Daisuke noted the flicker of emotion in her eyes. Despite her delicate features, the strength in her posture spoke volumes of her mastery as a blacksmith. As admiration settled in his chest, he took another moment to glance around.
This wasn't just a forge—it was a sanctuary.
And Tiphanna?
She was its heart.
"So?" the elven blacksmith asked with a faint smile. "Where are the materials you'd like me to use for the weapons?"
Daisuke met her gaze steadily. "There's no rush. You can focus on crafting the weapons after we've rescued the children. As I mentioned before, I want you working at your best."
"I understand," Tiphanna nodded. "But while we wait for nightfall, I'd like to use this time to assess the materials and discuss your combat style and preferences. That way, I can start sketching out a basic blueprint for the weapons you want."
Daisuke gave a small nod of approval. "I like your efficiency." He walked over to a clear worktable, browsed through his inventory's material section, and began unloading the resources he'd gathered.
[Crystalized Poison Sac]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 2
Rarity: Unique
Upon being slain, the Fossorial Ekimmu's poison sac hardens into a crystal deposit that attracts mana like a magnet. The absorbed mana is then infused with the crystal's poisonous essence, becoming toxic. Simply being in close proximity to this crystal can result in poisoning.
Can be crafted into specialized equipment or traded with merchants.]
[Armored Arachnid's Venomcore Gland]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 1
Rarity: Unique
A volatile organ harvested from an Armored Arachnid, brimming with highly concentrated venom. Alchemists prize it for its potency, using it as a key ingredient in lethal toxins and powerful antidotes alike.
Can be crafted into specialized equipment or traded with merchants.]
[Chimera's Scales]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 8
Rarity: Unique
Thick, iridescent scales that are incredibly durable. Ideal for crafting armor or reinforcing shields, these scales carry traces of alchemical residue, making them resistant to elemental magic.
Can be crafted into specialized equipment or traded with merchants.]
[Volturax Fang]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 2
Rarity: Epic
[The sharp canine teeth extracted from the Volturax. Handling them requires utmost care due to their lethal sharpness. Suitable for forging into equipment or trading with merchants.]
[Volturax Tail]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 1
Rarity: Epic
[The tail harvested from the Volturax. Its weight is primarily concentrated in the mace-like tip. While robust, its flexibility renders it a potent weapon for the monster. Ideal for crafting specialized equipment or trade with merchants.]
[Demon General Zar'ignar's Femur Bone]
[Category: Monster Material
Quantity: 1
Rarity: Unique
[A massive, densely packed femur bone salvaged from Demon General Zar'ignar. Its immense weight and resilience make it a prime material for forging powerful weapons or shields. Enchanted by the demon's lingering essence, it still radiates sinister energy and crackles with latent explosive power.
Can be crafted into specialized equipment or traded with merchants.]
"A-Amazing!" Tiphanna breathed, her voice laced with awe. As she took in the array of unique materials before her, her eyes glistened like emeralds and a faint flush colored her cheeks.
These are all high-grade materials from incredibly powerful monsters, she thought, her mind racing. How did he manage to gather so many in such a short time? These beasts are practically legends, so elusive they might as well be myths. Her gaze sharpened as she focused on the arachnid's poisonous gland. He truly did slay that monster, just as he said.
"I've got plenty more if you wanna take a look," Daisuke offered, clearly excited at the prospect of putting the items he'd worked so hard for to good use. "You might find something else you can use."
"R-Really?" Tiphanna's face lit up, her eyes gleaming with anticipation like a child eager for a new treasure. "Yes, yes! I want to see them! Hurry, hurry!"
Daisuke's grin grew wider, delighted by her reaction.
From the doorway, Josephine watched the exchange, her heart warmed by the sight. It had been so long since she'd seen her boss smile like that, and it was a welcome change.
DING!
[The quest «Dejected Blacksmith» has been received.]
[Dejected Blacksmith]
[Type: Time Trial
Quest Difficulty: B
Tiphanna discovered that her kin were held captive for sinister purposes. Despite several brave attempts at rescue, each effort ended in failure. Over time, despair smothered the creative spark that had once fueled her blacksmithing, leaving her craft diminished and her business teetering on the brink of collapse.
Clear Conditions: Assist Tiphanna in rescuing the children to reignite her passion for blacksmithing.
Rewards:
▪︎ Affinity with Tiphanna +90%
▪︎ EXP +45,000
▪︎ Active Skill: Time Dilation
▪︎ 190 Gold
Quest Failure:
▪︎ The children will be taken to their respective destinations and forced into slave labor
▪︎ Tiphanna will succumb to despair, losing both her trade and her business
Time Limit: 2 Days]
DING!
[You have accepted the quest «Dejected Blacksmith».]