"Then let's wrap up introductions and questions for now. It's getting late. As for tomorrow's plans—we're diving into the Great Labyrinth right away. The goal is to confirm coordination with the new party lineup including Orun. We'll aim for the lower layers; I'll give the exact spot tomorrow. For now, meet here at 9 a.m. as usual. Orun—when we explore the labyrinth, assume 9 a.m. here unless I say otherwise. Any changes, I'll notify you separately."
"Got it."
Introductions were done.
Judging by Selma-san's tone, that seemed to be the end.
Or so I thought—
"All right then, how about we turn this into Orun's welcome party and grab something to eat somewhere?"
Will suggested.
"Ah... That's really tempting, but could we do it tomorrow or later? There's actually something I need to take care of tonight for tomorrow's dive..."
I felt bad turning down the invitation, but this was something I wanted done today.
"Prep for tomorrow? Mind if I ask what?"
"I'm planning to go buy a sword."
In the black dragon fight two days ago, I'd lost two blades.
I should've bought replacements yesterday, but I only realized right before bed...
"Huh?! Wait—you don't have a weapon right now?!"
Will's voice shot up in shock.
The other three wore similar stunned expressions.
"No, I've still got one spare, so I can dive. But I want backups just in case."
"If that's all, couldn't it wait? Weapons aren't made in a day."
"No, the ones I use are off-the-shelf. I can get them today."
"Whaaat?! They're not custom-made?!"
All four reacted with fresh disbelief.
Well, yeah—once you're an upper-rank explorer, custom weapons are standard.
Can't blame them for the reaction.
"Look, I was only a B-rank swordsman back then, so I never had custom swords. And right now, I can cover sharpness and durability with support magic anyway, so I figured there was no need to splurge on expensive ones."
"I'm not an expert on swords, but even mass-produced ones of the same model have different balance points, right? Doesn't that throw off your handling?"
"A few swings and I can adjust. As long as I don't buy something wildly off, it's fine."
"———! Ughhh! Sure, maybe, but still! You're the ace of *Silver Rabbit*'s First Unit starting today! You can't let people see the ace using cheap off-the-shelf swords!"
Rain-san grabbed my hand and started marching off somewhere.
"Wait—Rain?! Where are we going?!"
Ignoring Will's shout, she pulled me along at a brisk pace.
◇
She dragged me to a blacksmith-like workshop inside another building on the same grounds.
Still holding my hand, she led me deeper inside.
The other three trailed behind.
Finally, she stopped in front of a burly, middle-aged man with a solid build—and only then released me.
"Well, well—if it isn't the entire First Unit showing up at once. What's the occasion...?"
Yeah, I'd be surprised too if a group like this barged in.
"Alan-san! Please make a sword for this boy!"
Rain-san jumped straight to the request.
So his name was Alan—probably the blacksmith.
"A sword, huh?"
Alan eyed me up and down.
"...You're the rumored Dragon Slayer, aren't ya?"
He asked after sizing me up.
"Whether I'm 'the rumored' one or not, yeah—I defeated the black dragon the other day."
"Figured as much. You've got the bearing of a seasoned warrior—spotted it right away."
"...Thank you...?"
"So you want me to make you a sword? Honored to forge one for the talk-of-the-town Dragon Slayer. But weren't you with the Hero Party? Don't you already have some famous blacksmith on retainer?"
"That's what everyone thinks! But he's using mass-produced weapons!"
Rain-san explained excitedly on my behalf.
"The hell?! Hey—is that true?!"
"Uh... yeah, it's true..."
"You're entrusting your life to it! Why the hell are you making do with random store-bought junk?!"
Alan exploded.
Swords are called a swordsman's soul, after all.
And honestly... my thinking had changed just now.
Rain-san's earlier words hit me hard.
Yeah—she was right.
I'm the frontline attacker of *Silver Rabbit*'s First Unit now.
Like it or not, I'm a role model for other attackers.
Using cheap off-the-shelf swords really doesn't cut it.
It's not about showing off, but a top party's ace wielding high-quality gear could boost morale just by example.
"Until a minute ago I thought store-bought was fine since I didn't care about appearances. But now that I'm in the First Unit, I should use gear that matches the position. So—please make a sword for me! I beg you!"
I bowed deeply and asked sincerely.
"...Like I said, forging a blade for you is an honor for me too. Gladly accepted."
"Nice one, Orun. Pops here is the best blacksmith in *Silver Rabbit*. My partner was made by him—quality guaranteed."
Will clapped a hand on my shoulder.
The top blacksmith in the clan? Expectations were rising whether I liked it or not.
"Hey, don't hype me up too much. Anyway—happy to make it, but there's one problem."
"Something we can fix right away?"
"It's the materials. We're short on deep-layer stuff right now. Used up most of it on Will's last weapon. To make something proper, you'd need deep-floor materials. Kinda backwards, I know."
"Then it's Will's fault. Will, go mine deep-layer ore by yourself right now~"
"Don't be ridiculous! Solo? I'd need nine lives!"
Lucre's absurd demand got an instant retort from Will.
These two really get along.
Deep-layer materials, huh.
"Then no problem."
"Huh? Orun-kun, what do you mean?"
I moved to an open space and looked around.
"I've got plenty of deep-layer materials."
With that, I pulled out ores and monster parts suitable for sword-making—all acquired from deep floors.
"Wow, so much~!"
Lucre cheered, hyped.
The other four just stared in stunned silence.