I finally completed my first magic item.
"It's a pen," Asfi observed, her voice carefully neutral as she examined my creation.
"Yup, it's a pen," I confirmed with perhaps more pride than the simple object warranted. Eager to demonstrate its capabilities, I reached for the papers scattered across her desk and began to write. The moment the pen touched the first sheet, all ten papers erupted in brilliant flames.
"What kind of ink did you use?!" Asfi's voice shot up in panic as she quickly moved to contain the small fire.
"Mystery Ink... I think it was still fermenting," I admitted sheepishly, watching the papers turn to ash.
Asfi simply buried her face in her palm, a gesture that spoke volumes about her current state of mind.
After extinguishing the flames and making some adjustments to my creation, I attempted another demonstration. The results were... mixed.
"Ugh... Arin, there's no point in creating a magic pen that writes through all the stacked papers at once," Asfi said after examining my first magical creation with evident disappointment.
"Tch tch tch, Asfi, you're so narrow-minded," I replied with exaggerated confidence, wagging my finger at her. "There's no such thing as useless when it comes to me."
"Haaa... You're so vain and spoiled, Arin," she sighed, her shoulders sagging with resignation.
Vain, I could understand—but spoiled? Was it because I'd used her hand as a pillow before?
Now that I thought about it, it did seem like I might be spoiled. My big sister used to say the same thing.
"Then please do tell, how can this pen be used?" Asfi's sharp gaze fixed on me, waiting expectantly for my answer.
Um... well, I hadn't exactly thought that far yet. I could feel the weight of her stare, practically drilling into me as she waited for some brilliant justification for my creation.
My eyes wandered to the papers scattered across her desk, and suddenly an idea struck me.
"Photocopy."
"Pho-to-copy?" she repeated slowly, as if testing the unfamiliar word.
"Yeah, photocopy. With this pen, a person can write multiple books at the same time. It'll be cheaper than getting it done by those factory people." I gestured enthusiastically, remembering that while it wasn't mentioned in the canon as far as I could recall, there were factories capable of mass-producing books in this world.
"Although the speed will be lower than those factories, it's perfect for someone who doesn't have the financial strength to commission work at a factory." It wasn't exactly a photocopy in the traditional sense, but the concept was remarkably similar.
"That's... actually not a bad idea," Asfi mused, bringing her hand to her chin as she considered the implications. Her expression shifted from skepticism to genuine interest.
"The method of creating it is also pretty simple. Mass producing it won't be a problem," she continued, looking up at me with what might have been the first glimmer of approval I'd seen all day. "Looks like it's not so useless after all."
I puffed out my chest with pride, basking in her reluctant acknowledgment. "Whose student do you think I am?"
"Oh? Pray tell, whose?" she asked, her lips quirking upward in a subtle smile that told me she'd caught on to my little game.
"Why, the brilliant and beautiful Asfi Al-Andromeda, of course," I declared with theatrical flair, placing a hand over my heart as if making a sacred vow.
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink at the compliment, and she quickly turned away to fidget with some papers on her desk. "F-flattery will get you nowhere," she mumbled, though I could hear the pleased undertone in her voice.
"It's not flattery if it's true," I replied with a grin, enjoying how easily I could fluster her despite her usual composed demeanor. Her reaction is just so adorable.
"Anyway," she said, clearing her throat and attempting to regain her professional composure, "we should document this magic item properly. Even if it started as an accident, the multi-surface writing principle could have other applications."
She pulled out a leather-bound notebook and began sketching the pen's design with practiced precision. "What exactly did you do differently with the Mystery Ink during the fermentation process?"
"Well, I might have gotten a bit impatient and added some extra magical essence to speed things up," I admitted, watching her delicate fingers work across the page. "I didn't realize it would make it so... explosive."
"Explosive magical ink," she repeated slowly, her pen pausing mid-stroke. "Arin, do you realize you might have accidentally created a weapon?"
The implications of her words hit me like a thunderbolt. A pen that could write through multiple surfaces, combined with explosive ink that could ignite on command...
"Oh," I said, suddenly understanding why she'd seemed so concerned about the burning papers. After it can be used as an assassination tool against normal people. "Oh no."
"Oh yes," Asfi said dryly, setting down her pen and fixing me with a look that was equal parts amused and exasperated. "My student, the weapons manufacturer. I'm sure this will look wonderful in our official reports."
Despite her words, I could see the analytical gleam in her eyes as she considered the possibilities. After all, we were living in dangerous times, and any advantage we could gain against the Evilus might prove invaluable.
"So," I said carefully, "should we... explore this 'application' further?"
Asfi was quiet for a long moment, her fingers drumming against the desk. Finally, she sighed and picked up her pen again.
"Let's start with perfecting the photocopy function first," she said pragmatically. "We can worry about the... other 'applications' later. But Arin?" She looked up at me with serious eyes. "Next time, please warn me before you create something that could potentially burn a building."
"Noted," I said with a serious tone. "Though in my defense, I was aiming for a simple writing implement."
"Your 'simple' creations are going to be the death of me," she muttered, but I caught the fond smile she was trying to hide as she returned to her notes.
After we finished documenting the pen's specifications and potential applications, I stretched and glanced at the late afternoon light filtering through her workshop window. The productive session had reminded me of something I'd been putting off since yesterday.
"Speaking of things that might be the death of me," I said, catching Asfi's attention as she organized her notes, "I need to replace my sword. The one I had got destroyed during the raid."
She looked up from her work, concern flickering across her features. "You've been without a proper weapon this whole time? You do know that Evilus is still functional, right?"
"I've been managing with a borrowed blade, but it's not exactly ideal for serious combat," I admitted, running a hand through my hair. "I was thinking of visiting the Hephaestus Familia's weapon shop."
"That would be a smart choice," she agreed, setting aside her notebook. "Hephaestus Familia weapons are expensive, but they're worth every valis. The craftsmanship is exceptional."
I hesitated for a moment, then decided to take the plunge. "Would you... Like to come with me? I could use someone with experience to help evaluate the weapon options. Plus, you might find some interesting materials or tools there for your own projects." I was a little nervous asking her out. After all, even if I appear like this, I am an introvert at heart with zero romantic experience,
Asfi blinked in surprise at the invitation, her pen hovering motionless above her notes. "You want me to come weapon shopping with you?"
"Why not? You have been an adventurer longer than I, and I trust your judgment." I gave her an encouraging smile.
"I suppose I could use a break," she said slowly, then looked down at her current attire. "Though I should probably change into something more appropriate for going out."
"Take your time," I said, happy that she'd accepted. "I'll wait here and try not to accidentally create any more magic weapons while you're gone."
"Please don't," she said with mock seriousness, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'll be back shortly."
"It's a date then," I said as she was leaving the room.
"D-Date?" she asked, clearly flustered, her hand freezing on the door handle.
"Yeah. I mean, if a man and a woman go out together, then is it not considered a date?" I said with a teasing smile, which she immediately noticed.
"Ah, stop teasing me, Arin," she said with a flustered huff, quickly stepping out and closing the door behind her.