A few days passed since that day, and finally the day for the Phantasia participant selection began. All students were informed about the explanation of this event in their respective classes. The teachers explained the details of the event until the students understood. Basically, students were not forced to participate, but all students were very enthusiastic about participating in the event. It's just that there were some students who were not interested in the event because they thought they were not very talented.
The teachers explained that we were asked to have weapons that were suitable for us for combat. Of course, Lunette and I had swords, but they weren't good enough because we had used them often for training so they were a bit blunt. We were given a few weeks to find them.
After the academy was over, we walked towards home. As usual, we were escorted by Big Sis Wave. Lunette looked as excited as usual as she headed towards the house.
"Big Sis, I want a new sword," Lunette said without further ado.
Big Sister Wave looked at her and said, "Sword? But we had one at home."
Lunette complained a little, "The one at home won't be strong enough!"
"Listen here, kiddo, swords are not toys for children," Big Sis Wave replied firmly with her hands on her hips.
Lunette pouted and complained again in a louder voice, "I'm not a child anymore! I'm 12 years old!"
Big Sis Wave replied even louder, "12 years old is still a child, you dumbass!"
My head hurt seeing this scene. I felt like I was watching two little kids fighting over a toy. They kept arguing with Lunette forcing Big Sis Wave to find out why Lunette got the sword. They kept arguing on the way home. They were really noisy.
I said to Big Sister Wave with a pleading tone, "Sis, I want a sword too," I said to Big Sis Wave.
Big Sis Wave looked surprised to hear what I said. Unlike what she did to Lunette, she immediately softened her gaze towards me. She didn't seem to forbid me or question why I wanted a sword.
"Okay, Luna. I'll take you to a blacksmith that I trust tomorrow," Big Sis Wave replied to me.
Lunette frowned in dissatisfaction and said, "Why did Luna get permission so easily while I didn't?"
Big Sis Wave turned her face away from Lunette and said, "Luna must have her own reasons, unlike you, Lunette." She feels a bit ashamed after she hears Lunette's objection.
They continued to argue on the way home. I knew Big Sis Wave was just teasing Lunette after I asked for the sword, but it seemed like Lunette didn't realize it. I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched the scene. Without me realizing, as I chuckled Big Sis Wave patted my head and they stopped arguing. Her gaze was so gentle as if she was my real sister.
The next day, Big Sister Wave took us to the blacksmith that she said was the best in town. There was no one inside the blacksmith, but there were lots of weapons such as guns, swords, sickles, spears, and various other weapons. There was also armor on display that looked old and some that looked new. Unlike what I thought, this shop didn't look trustworthy in our eyes.
Because it was a blacksmith I thought it would be hot or maybe noisy with the sound of iron being forged, but it was really empty here. There was no sound at all, I even thought this place was closed at first.
"Hey! I said I would come, why isn't there anyone," Big Sister Wave shouted and sighed a little.
"I know you're lazy, but you're in front of customers," she added.
When she finished speaking, a man who looked shabby came out of the room and looked very sleepy. He rubbed his eyes and walked towards the cashier, but fell down in the middle of his journey.
"Big sis..." said Lunette who looked unsure of the person.
Big Sister Wave patted her head and said,"Don't worry, he's just a useless person with talent. We can trust his abilities, even if he's useless."
The person finally reached the cashier and looked at him. He put on his glasses and tried to focus on Big Sister Wave.
"I don't know who you are, but this place has been booked by an idol. So now leave, this place is closed," he said to her.
"I am the idol you dumbass, are you blind or something," she asked the person with a louder voice.
The person stared at her and not believing it," you don't look like an idol, don't lie and leave already."
Big Sister Wave immediately took off his hat and disguise to show his real face. Of course she had to, otherwise many people would have gathered around us to meet her if she didn't disguise.
"Oh, you finally came, Neon," the person said.
"Yes, idiot, I came and you don't know your own customer, Niel," she replied with a little annoyance.
Niel just rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment and chuckled. On the other hand, Lunette and I looked around the shop to find a good sword. However, I couldn't find a sword that suited me. They all looked rusty and not good. The condition of the shop was quite dusty and dirty. Lunette also tried to pick up the sword and swing it, but looked dissatisfied.
Big Sister Wave said to Niel, "As you can see, I want you to make my cute little sisters a sword that suits them."
Niel smiled slightly and said, "Are you sure you brought them to the right place?"
"Yes, I'm sure. You're my fan, right? Of course you'll give me a discount, right? Then who do you think made me such a great sword back then?" Big Sis Wave gave him a look that looked very trusting while teasing him a little.
"I guess I can't say no when an idol asks for something. Then I'm glad you're still keeping the sword I gave you back then," he said as he stood up.
Big Sister Wave giggled a little and said, "Right, who would've thought that a fan would suddenly come carrying a sword so happily? You looked like you wanted to cause a riot back then."
Niel just chuckled and said, "I'm sorry about that time. Besides, I've liked you and your songs for a long time. Of course I'm crazy about you."
Then Niel looked at us and said, "Little girls, come here."
We turned to him and I saw Lunette immediately walking towards Niel. I wasn't too sure what to expect, especially since the condition of this shop was a bit sketchy. But if what Big Sister Wave said was true, he was probably a great blacksmith.
Niel immediately asked us for some details about the weapons we wanted. We immediately answered the questions honestly without hiding anything. However, the questions he asked sounded more and more like an interrogation. I felt a little uncomfortable when he started asking strange things. He asked me about the magic I had, my height, my weight, and so on. He even asked about my body shape, the shape of my legs, and even my arms.
Niel continued his questions before stopping and looking scared when he saw something. There was Big Sister Wave who seemed to be giving him a murderous glare for asking something like that. The look she gave seemed to say, "If you ask my cute little sister a weird question like that I will kill you," while folding her arms in front of her chest.
"Okay, Neon, I'm sorry, but I already got the information I needed. So, don't look at me like that, okay," he said with a little fear.
Lunette laughed as she tried to lighten the atmosphere that had just happened while saying, "Uncle looks really scared at big sis."
Niel nodded and answered her, "Even though she used to look cute and sweet on stage, when we got to know each other I didn't expect her to be a scary person when she was angry."
I guess that's true, people will look scary when they're angry. Idols like Big Sister Wave do have to look attractive on stage, even though we've never seen it because she forbids us. But I guess someone will definitely have some side that they don't want other people to know like she hides her affection for us from everyone.
Niel immediately walked towards his workplace and we watched him curiously. He made a gesture as if inviting us to see how he worked on forging a sword. Lunette followed him without hesitation with enthusiasm, while I looked at Big Sister Wave as if asking for his permission. Big Sister Wave noticed this and patted my back and gave me a gentle nudge inviting me to look at him.
"Alright girls, it's time for me to show you my charms. I'll prove to you who the famous Iron Crimson is," he said to us.
I wanted to tell him that I didn't know who Iron Crimson was, but I felt a little reluctant because he looked like he wanted to show off his cool side to Big Sister Wave. Lunette didn't seem to know the nickname either. Maybe he just gave himself the nickname to look cool. I looked at Big Sister Wave with curious eyes, and she nodded his head. It seemed like he did give himself the nickname, I wasn't sure what to say.
"Keep your spirits up, uncle," I said, trying to encourage him but hesitantly.
Niel stopped for a moment and looked at me. His gaze was both shocked and disappointed at the same time.
"Luna… I'm not that old to be called an uncle yet," he said to me with a disappointed tone and continued his work.
Big Sister Wave just laughed and gave me a thumbs up. I don't understand, where did I go wrong? I don't think I did anything wrong, right?
Suddenly the atmosphere in the room felt heavy. I could feel the change in Niel's personality. He looked very serious now. The sound of iron being hammered could be heard throughout the room along with the flames. The temperature of the room increased little by little. Even though Niel was sweating profusely, he didn't stop for a moment. Clank! Clank! The ingot starts forming little by little. I don't know what ingot he used, but it looks so strong.
The work that Niel did was very orderly and fast. He looked like a different person compared to before. His movements were like a skilled craftsman. The iron he was hammering slowly began to change shape little by little. Big Sister Wave patted my shoulders and gestured for me to go towards her.
"What's wrong, big sis?" I said while tilting my head to the side.
She stroked my head and said, "Want to go shopping while we wait?"
I turned to Lunette who looked impatient for her new sword and didn't care about her surroundings. I tried to walk towards her to pat her shoulder, but Big Sister Wave patted my shoulder and told me to not bother Lunette with his body gesture. I don't understand why, but for now I nodded.
When we were outside, Big Sister Wave stretched his body and turned to me.
She said, "Fresh air is the best, right?" She stretched her body and spoke in a relaxing tone.
I didn't understand why but I followed her lead and I answered, "Yeah, it's really hot inside."
Big Sister Wave took my hand and escorted me while saying, "Lunette seems more interested in there, she doesn't care about anything else but her sword."
"I guess big sis is right, she looks really excited waiting for her new sword," I said.
We walked around town, looking around while waiting for Niel to finish his work. I was a little confused about his magic since he said he could finish it in one day. He also seemed to activate his magic as soon as he started his work.
We walked around town, entering shopping areas and some markets. We looked at some unusual looking food and snacks. I rarely pay attention to my surroundings, so I don't really know much about these things.