"So, what should I do?"
Ais's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she listened to Shirou's analysis. His research on the Falna was so thorough—could he really find a way to speed up her growth?
Noticing the eager look in her eyes, Shirou stood up, refilled their cups, and continued, "Common sense suggests that if the external pressure is too low, we should increase it."
"But you won't often encounter monsters strong enough to create that kind of pressure. So, you can only start with yourself."
"Start with… myself?"
Ais lowered her head, staring at her hands, confusion clouding her gaze.
"Since you can't find stronger opponents, you should find a way to reduce your own strength. By limiting yourself, you increase the danger your enemies pose—forcing your own growth to accelerate."
"However, this can be dangerous. It's best to do it under supervision, otherwise you might genuinely be risking your life."
"Limit myself?"
Hearing Shirou's advice, Ais finally had a vague idea of what he meant and how it could help her become stronger. It was something crucial to her personal quest.
Seeing her deep in thought, Shirou stopped speaking, letting her reflect in silence.
Self-limitation as a training method is fairly common in other worlds. Perhaps the most famous example is Rock Lee from the world of Naruto—when he removed the weights on his legs during the Chunin Exams, his speed and strength became astonishing. Another example is the gravity chamber training in Dragon Ball.
The reason this method doesn't exist in the world of Danmachi lies in the unique nature of adventurers here. They prefer real combat over formal training. Thanks to the Falna, their attributes improve constantly through frequent battles.
As a result, the top warriors of each Familia are usually quite old. Take Finn, the captain of the Loki Familia—he's over forty, while Ais is only sixteen.
So, how many people in Orario are as desperate to improve their strength as she is?
"I want to be stronger!"
If adventurers from other Familias heard that, they would probably laugh at it.
A calm atmosphere settled over the room. The two of them, each lost in their own thoughts, quietly sipped their drinks and nibbled on snacks.
For a brief moment, the environment felt exceptionally warm and cozy.
Unfortunately, that peace didn't last long, as a loud voice shattered it.
"Ais!"
A voice dripping with deep desperation rang out for all to hear.
Before Shirou could even react, the bedroom door was kicked open and a figure burst inside, roaring with despair.
"Ais is mine! Not even Shirou can take her from me! Even if you take her body, her heart still belongs to me!"
"…"
"Eh?"
Loki froze, falling into deep thought as she looked at Ais and Shirou—sitting on opposite sides of the table, still fully clothed.
But the questioning looks on both their faces sent Loki's mind spiraling.
"Huh? Who told me that Ais and Shirou were making out?"
Unable to find the right words, Loki quickly turned to leave, determined to find out who had dared to trick her.
"I never said Ais and Shirou were making out! I only said Ais went to Shirou's room. The rest was your imagination."
A voice from the crowd outside cut through Loki's attempt to shift the blame, plunging her instantly into despair.
Looking between a flustered Loki and the people gathered outside, Shirou let out a helpless sigh.
"Goddess Loki, could you help me fix the door?" he asked with a gentle smile, glancing at the broken lock.
"Yes!"
Startled by Shirou's calm tone, Loki rushed off to fetch some tools.
"What a busy day…"
Watching the crowd disperse along with Loki, Shirou stood up and began gathering his own tools.
"I'm heading to the forge. What about you?"
"I'm going back to my room."
Ais remained composed. The fuss caused by Loki didn't affect her—she was already used to it.
"Alright, take all this with you, then."
After preparing a few snacks for her, Shirou said kindly, "When you're done, come get some more from me. I never run out."
"Hmm."
Ais's face remained expressionless, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Thank you, Shirou."
"It's nothing. We're companions."
Seeing the usually stoic Ais like this, Shirou couldn't resist reaching out to pat her head.
But the moment he did, he regretted it.
What if Ais got angry? The memory of what happened with Loki was still fresh in his mind.
He quickly checked her expression, and when he saw no sign of resistance, he began to pat her head more confidently.
For a moment, the atmosphere warmed again.
"Ah! What am I doing? How could I treat Ais like she was my little sister without thinking?"
Realizing what he was doing, Shirou felt a wave of nervousness.
If Ais had reacted like she did with Loki, he would have been completely humiliated.
Fortunately, she didn't resist his touch.
That made Shirou recall the time, back in the dungeon, when he had treated Lefiya like a younger sister as well.
He couldn't help but reach out and pat her head, too.
That thought made him reflect deeply. Was he just overthinking about Miyu?
Probably not.
With slow contemplation, Shirou walked toward the forge.
After a full day of hard work, Shirou had finished Lefiya's new armor.
Unlike the modified armor he had made for her before, this one was fully custom-made, perfectly fitted to her body.
In addition, Lefiya's new weapon was a longsword—similar to Ais's blade.
It was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Lefiya, who idolized Ais.
"It's beautiful!"
After putting on the armor Shirou had crafted and drawing the longsword from its sheath, Lefiya's heart swelled with joy.
Not only were the armor and weapon of exceptional quality, but they were also exquisitely crafted—matching her personal tastes perfectly.
"As long as you're satisfied."
This armor represented Shirou's most important work at the moment, a reflection of his recent progress in blacksmithing.
Perhaps due to the lingering influence of Sengo Muramasa, his progress had been incredibly fast.
Through projection magic, he had learned the techniques and experience of other master smiths. Combined with his extraordinary understanding of the forge, his skills had become unstoppable.
Lefiya's armor and weapon had already reached the level of high-grade, second-tier equipment.
Such a weapon would cost at least one million Valis in Orario.
Unfortunately, Shirou wasn't yet well-known in the blacksmithing world, so he couldn't sell it for such a high price.
But he believed his reputation would eventually spread throughout Orario.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."