//** Continuation of chapter 14. (From 14.2) **//

-anyway I wanted to ask. Yuki, why are you following Arata?

-it’s a rule to follow those who defeated you in battle and spared your life. I will serve Onii-chan with my life.

Yuki’s response was impossible. Kotori asked follow up question.

-where did you come with that ideology?

-it’s the most normal thing to do.

Kotori did not understand her though.

-Arata, I give up, you try it.

-from where I see it, she must have been brought up in some kind of old fashioned family. She should get better with time. Anyway Yuki, you don’t have to serve me or anything, we fought and we are now guild mates nothing more.

-no, I will follow Onii-chan until he releases me from my duty.

-ha?

-hey Arata are you cheating on your girlfriend who is walking right next to you.

-aren’t you super sure of yourself.

-that’s one reason that I don’t take it too seriously.

-but it’s not my fault. Also she is 12 years old right.

-that another reason. Well, let’s leave it at that.

-no wait. I think I understood it… Yuki, you don’t have to follow me anymore, I release you from your duty.

-I understand.

Yuki answered. She stopped moving and looked down to the ground.

-but that does not mean you can’t go around the village with us. We still want you to come with us.

Arata answered.

-really?

-yes, yes.

They continued like previously. With little change.

-hey Arata, did that change anything?

-probably.

-well it can’t be helped then. Anyway, what are you buying Arata?

-nothing I already bought everything yesterday, I just thought that I should explore the village a little before we leave. I didn’t do it yet.

-well, there is nothing interesting. I checked.

-what about stalls in the center?

-so you meant explore in that way. Okay let’s go there!

The entered Loris and walked through its streets. They found their way to the main square. Arata wanted for some time to see what is there but he somehow didn’t have a time and always something come up. Kotori spin on foot, looked around and said.

-doesn’t it feel like it’s a festival here?

-sure, it looks like it.

-so what do you wanted to do?

Kotori thought that Arata had a specific reason for coming here. Still his response was opposite.

-I don’t have any plans. I will just walk around and look at stuff. If I find anything interesting I will try it.

-didn’t though that you would say something like that.

-it’s a game after all, aren’t we here to enjoy ourselves.

Arata made the most obvious statement. Games are for people to enjoy. At least that was the theory behind them.

-somehow I forget about that part. It’s not that kind of game… Ahhhh, I see! You wanted to go on a date. You could just said so. Let’s go then!

-it’s rather you who want to go. Also we are not alone.

-she won’t disturb us… no wait! I just thought of a great idea.

Kotori’s face suddenly started to shine even more than usual but Arata somehow could tell what she was now thinking. And because he knew he right away said.

-no, I don’t want to.

-but you didn’t heard it yet.

-your face is easy to understand.

-ah you are no fun. Hey Yuki is there a place where you want to go?…

Lucky she gave up on her idea and switched to Yuki.

Yuki pointed into direction of shooting game. There were many stuffed animals on the shelves. Seeing it Kotori quickly said.

-leave it to me.

Kotori went to the stall and paid for the game. In that game you needed to use provided weapon and shoot down three cans in a distance. Kotori picked up the ‘rifle-like looking item’. Seeing it Arata asked.

-Kotori you know how to shoot right?

-of course I do, the bullet comes out this way, just look.

She had to shoot down 3 cans in five shoots to get a reward but it didn’t go as planned.

Right at the start, the first shot nearly hit the stall keeper even though he was in opposite direction than the cans. Then the second shoot ended up going way up to the ceiling of the tent.

“I somehow don’t see it.”

-hey Kotori maybe I should.

-I will get hang of it soon.

First round ended in failure, no hits. Second the same. In the third one she once fired by luck and hit one. But forth one was back to zero.

Now after ten tries she somehow got two hits. But there was only one bullet left. But then Kotori shooted and the sound of hit echoed.

-haha I did it!

Arata couldn’t even congratulate her as anything he would say would be sarcasm. Instead he said.

-took you long enough. You know if you wanted something so badly, it would be cheaper to buy it than waste money on 10 tries.

-who cares about that? The winning is also important part.

-so what do you want to take?

-if it were me I would take that big bear, but even though I love stuffed animals I can’t go around with one in a game, can I?

-it wouldn’t bother anyone.

“Thing to remember, Kotori like stuffed animals.”

-I already have you to hug, so I don’t need it. Anyway I was trying to get a reward for Yuki as she wanted one.

-so nice of you.

-see that is your girlfriend.

-so what will you give her?

-hmm, something that would fit her. Emmm, this white bunny please.

Kotori pointed at small white bunny on the lower shelf.

-I thought that you would choose that biggest bear.

-haha, seems like you don’t understand stuffed animals Arata.

-I don’t want to understand them.

Kotori took bunny in her hands and passed it to Yuki.

-here you go.

-looks like you don’t understand stuffed animals as well.

Arata commented as Yuki didn’t take it. Kotori asked.

-hey Yuki what’s wrong?

-even though I want to. I can’t take it.

Yuki answered.

-why?

-father told me that cute things are for weak people. Warrior shouldn’t bother with it.

“Strict father it seems.”

Though Arata hearing this. It looked like Yuki wasn’t a normal child after all, but Kotori didn’t give up.

-but you are a girl right? You said you wanted it.

-but I am successor of Arakiri sword style, being a girl comes second.

-emmm… Arata I have no idea what she is about, translate it to me.

-well I don’t know the details but in Japan there are some ancient fighting styles that are passed generation after generation.

-but we live in modern times now. Even if there was a war it would be guns and bombs. No one would send a girl with a sword, would they?

-it’s more about tradition rather than it being useful, anyway Yuki.

-yes Onii-chan?

-even though you may be successor of something in real life you don’t have to follow all rules.

-but I am successor.

-do you like to be successor?

-I always had been a successor so I don’t know.

-someone forced you to do this?

Yuki twisted her head left and right then she said.

-no, I can quit if I want but if I want to continue to be successor, I need to behave like one.

“If it’s like that there is no helping it.”

-Kotori I don’t think that we can do anything here.

Arata wanted to give up but Kotori answered with her determination.

-you are wrong Arata.

-ha?

-she just doesn’t know what to do? The girl that can’t have stuffed animals is absurd. Yuki what are a good features of being successor?

-it’s only a title that doesn’t mean much nowadays.

“As I thought.”

-so what’s the reason to be one? Did you get anything out from it? Don’t you feel like you just wasted time on it?

-it’s true that I envied kids who were played in the park when I trained each day… .

Yuki starred and with one sentence, Kotori didn’t want to listen anymore.

-that’s it. Arata, I am going to yell at her father for forcing her to do this, you come with me.

-doesn’t he live in Japan? And even though you would yell at him he wouldn’t understand you because of language difference. Well, he probably knows English though. Still, it’s true that it doesn’t feel right.

-you are wrong Onii-chan, although it might be hard and I hated it for some time… .

-see she hated it!

-let her finish.

-…I am happy that I am successor for all those years.

What she said before somehow didn’t follow up with last sentence. Kotori had to ask.

-why is that?

Yuki explained.

-for many years I wanted to quit but my father liked when I trained with him so I didn’t leave. As the time went on, I felt that it’s even more stupid and useless, that I won’t ever need it in my life at all.

-well that’s natural thinking isn’t it. So how much do you think it cost to go to Japan, Arata?

-let her finish.

-I told my father about it and he even agreed with me, and told me that I don’t have to be successor anymore and I can decide what I want to do.

-so you can stop being successor, right? What did you do?

-I didn’t know what to do. I don’t have many friends to begin with.

-see what happened! A sad life without friends. No, we really are going to Japan, Arata!

-let her finish.

-I asked mother about it. She said that normal kids play games so I decided to play one as well. I asked father for a good game and next day he came back with large strange object in the car. He told me that he asked friend for advice and this turned out to be most popular game. We read instruction on how does it work and I ended up here. From that moment I didn’t regret being successor anymore. Here things that I have learned have a meaning, and thanks to that I meet leader, Onii-chan and even made a friend.

-hey Arata, isn’t it the saddest story that you have heard?

-she lived happy ever after, so it’s not a sad story.

-I still want to be successor even if only for staying in this game with everyone. My father also will be happy.

Yuki added one more sentence.

-see, there is no problem.

Arata thought that it was not as bad as he first heard so he wanted to leave the subject. Still, Kotori didn’t give up.

-no Arata. There is still one big problem. Yuki you said that you don’t care about being successor much right?

-now I do.

-you know that you don’t have to some strange successor to stay with us. No one here is one. Right Arata?

Kotori looked at Arata with question. Arata nod his head signaling he was not. It was the truth but somehow Kotori wasn’t 100% convinced. Yuki continued.

-still, my father likes when… .

Kotori interrupted her.

-no! All he likes is to spend time with his daughter. I think he would be just as happy if you were a normal girl running around in skirts, gathering flowers in park and bringing them to him.

“That some definition of normal girl, she has.”

-…flowers? The small things in the grass.

-yes those one, anyway you want to be normal girl?

-I wanted for years but now that I play this game I am somewhat happy that I can do things, others could not.

Because Arata experienced her skills first hand he once again said.

-Kotori, if she is happy being successor you should just give up.

-Arata you weren’t listening at all, were you? Yuki, the only thing that you want from being a successor is fighting abilities for a game, right?

-yes.

-so why don’t you just give up being successor and continue training like you used to.

-… .

Yuki started to wonder. Arata wasn’t convinced.

-does it change anything?

-of course it does. If she stops being that successor thing, she will be able to have a normal life, and still spend time with her father on training. She will also be very good player for our guild so she shouldn’t stop that.

-well that’s true, what do you say Yuki?

Arata turned to Yuki who was standing without moving. Tears were pouring from her eyes. Kotori walked up to her and hugged her in mother-like way.

-must have been thought. But now you can start a new life. Here is the bunny.

This time Yuki took the bunny. She hugged it and cried out.

For Arata the whole conversation didn’t seem that serious but after seeing Yuki’s reaction now, he finally understood how much it changed.

They stayed like that for 5 minutes then Kotori stood up.

-arigatou, Onee-chan.

In the end Yuki ended up saying those words.

-see Arata. That is true good happy ending. But she just called me Onee-chan, what does it mean? I know that arigatou is thank you but I don’t follow this one.

-I have no idea.

-but she calls you similar.

-yes, I was going to ask Gerald about it but he went to sleep so we will have to ask later. Not that I care that much.

-ah Arata, just look at her now. Isn’t it a beautiful picture.

A little girl with short white hair, hugging a white bunny in her arms. Arata made a comment.

-katana at her back somehow doesn’t fit it.

-what are you saying, it’s fit her perfectly. The clothes however are the problem. We need to get her something else than this worn out armor. Hmm, I think I saw something similar somewhere.

Arata also spotted few similarities.

-me too, even though on first glance it’s looks good and new, if you look carefully, you will see that material was of low quality.

-well that’s the problem too, but the main problem is that those clothes don’t fit her. The color and design are all bad. And the material looks to old. There is not a single thing that I like about its look.

-items are supposed to give stats. Look is a secondary thing.

-it’s not a rule of VR Arata. In computer MMOs sure but in this game we are normally walking around it’s not our Avatars. Well, they are Avatars but we are inside them so it’s different.

-I get what you are saying. It’s better to wear things that are comfortable and easy to move in.

-there is this but I was talking that you want to look good in items that you wear.

-still, look shouldn’t be the priority.

-well seeing you walking in black all the time I understand that you don’t understand fashion at all.

-hey.

-well the coat is fine and it’s have a good design.

-it’s a rare drop after all.

-but why did you buy black clothes to it as well?

-em, good stats?

-you are a game maniac after all.

-you are not?

-I am still a girl you know. Let’s leave it at that there is no point in discussing it. I will just dress you up someday but for now you are at least at acceptable level. Yuki is in way worse state. So do you have some money so we could buy something for her? I just lost most of my money on that game. And we didn’t loot much in last adventure.

-well, I have some but it is not enough for anything good.

-in that case we should ask someone to let it to us.

-I have gold.

Yuki stopped them as they were trying to come up who should they ask.

-you have?

-yes, I did some quests in that first big city and earned a little. I also got a bonus from the test. And also the big kobold dropped a lot of money,

-you mean jobs right. And what bonus did Gerald give you?

-not guild’s test, the one in the forest. As for jobs I did some as well but the quests were much more rewarding. I also got this sword out of it.

-good job Yuki. Quests are not that easy after all. You found them in city of beginners, right?

-two of them yes, the third one I got in the forest after I received the bonus.

-what did you do that you got the bonus?

Interested in it Arata asked. He didn’t get any bonus even though he did it without dying on first try. He asked.

-well, I wanted a strong opponent, and strong opponents mean a lot of points. So I found and fought against the bear. After defeating it I got 10 gold and a quest. Quest was quite easy I just needed to find a cave, defeat another bear and get the reward which was this white katana. It appeared in the sky before me out of nowhere. Anyway with quests, this bonus and gold which dropped on guild test I have 50 gold right now.

-did you hear this Arata? She has a lot of it.

-…

Arata didn’t answer. Kotori waved her hand before his eyes.

-hey Arata! …

“I understood somehow that she defeated the giant kobold but the bear? No way! And two of them in row? Impossible? Was this the same bear that I meet? Well there were few bear from what I remember so maybe they are different but still, what if she won against that one… emmmm, how did I win our fight, again? I don’t remember anymore.”

Arata’s mind was broken. Kotori gave up.

-hey Arata! Hey!!No, never mind. Anyway Yuki if you have so much gold why didn’t you buy something better?

-I did, after reaching this city I wanted to buy something and went to one shop. I asked for best things they have and I got this. It’s not that bad and it says that it was made by a great crafter.

-where did you buy it!?

Yuki pointed in one direction and started.

-if we go that way, there is a big building where smoke is coming out from a chimney all the time. There is also sign there that says, you want to buy something then you have come to the right place. The seller is quite friendly and even knows Japanese.

-that way!? Arata isn’t it that smelly forge…

“She killed the bear! She killed the bear! She killed the bear!”

Arata was still in his thoughts though.

-hey wake up already!…

Kotori started to wave her hand before his eyes once again.

-Kotori?

-good, you are back, anyway if we go this way we end up in the forge right?

“Relax it couldn’t be that bear.”

Arata arrived at the explanation that gave him the peace of mind but he will never know for sure.

-em… I think so, why do you ask?

-so you weren’t listening! To make story short, I need to have a talk with that seller there.

-with Marty? Sure we can go there but the shop is closed until they are done with my sword.

-when will they be done?

-they said two days so it should be still closed.

-didn’t they say around two days?

-something like that, it was ‘soon’ I think. I plan to go there tomorrow morning.

-well my item was also going to take two days but look the line is here again.

Kotori pointed at the fortune telling stall that was in visible range and it was as popular as ever.

-it really is.

-the woman said that she will close the business until she is done and in two days I should come back.

-hmm, it looks like she is done now.

-in that case I will go get it, wait for me.

-but the line?

-who cares about lines.

Kotori moved to the front of the line and entered the tent like nothing, ignoring the angry shouts. Normally if someone tried to do that they were pushed back by some kind of force field but it looked like it only applied to people who wanted a fortune telling. Seeing it Yuki asked.

-hey Onii-chan should you do something like that?

-technically no but when you are in hurry you can sometimes bound the rules.

-I will remember that.

“Ah, I gave her bad example, well she will forget about it soon enough.”

Ten minutes later Kotori went back.

-so how is it Arata?

-… .

Arata was once again stunned by Kotori when she showed him her new item. It didn’t look like normal item that you normally use in games. One could say that it was a head spin as it was quite similar to it. It was in a shape of large, gold sunflower. It was now on left top of her head tangled in her golden hair on the right. Kotori was satisfied with Arata stunned reaction.

-I choose the design myself. And it’s not only looks good but its stats are really overpowered you know. Item itself even level up with me so I don’t think that I will have to change it. At least not any time soon.

-ah Onee-chan my sword is also like that.

Yuki commented.

-so it was a class quest then. Anyway, Arata let’s go get your sword and buy her some clothes. My guess is that they should be done with it by now.

Arata still hypnotized by her said.

-yes that.

They made their way to the forge. There were two familiar people walking out from there.

-see Zen, the patient ones are always rewarded.

-what are you saying? We could get it before without waiting.

-we wouldn’t have money for that.

-okay lets forgot about it, we will never return here anymore. What important is that with those new gloves I will win against Arata no problem.

-I am not sure about it. You saw how he fought against that girl right?

-hmm, I would say that the girl was much scarier.

-well she doesn’t look that scary right now.

Odin spotted them coming pointed at Yuki who was walking around with bunny stuffed toy in her arms.

-ah Arata and Koto…

Zen stopped as he saw Kotori with her new item the sunflower in hair.

-hello there, we are going into the forge so make the way, we will meet later.

Kotori welcomed them and with Arata and Yuki entered the forge.

-hey Odin? You saw that!

-well an interesting design for item I must say.

-does it give a stun effect the moment you see that?

-Zen, give it up you don’t have chance.

-ah, that’s why it’s hurts. Anyway with things like they are now I definitely need to beat Arata or I won’t feel better.

-just don’t do anything stupid.

-have I ever done anything stupid?

-too many times for me to count.

-maybe once or twice. Anyway we also need to get some good items ourselves don’t you think? Let’s look for class quests!

-didn’t we already talk about it.

-no, no, we have to try, let’s go.

And so Odin and Zen went looking around the town in search of their quest.

-welcome customers, ah it’s you Arata.

Marty welcomed them as they entered the shop.

-hey Marty, how is the sword?

-ah it’s a piece of art, it’s truly is incredible weapon even for master Rodrigez.

-so where is it?

-ah yes, I should call the master. He is sleeping after the work.

Marty went to wake him up using the stairs on the right. After five minutes Rodrigez was back.

-Arata you won’t give me a chance for sleep, will you? I told you to wait for two days.

-I somehow ended up coming here now, but you are done already.

-that’s because my predictions involved my sleeping time so I am not done. But I understand you. The Kuroi is ready for you.

-Kuroi?

-it’s the name of the sword.

-does a sword need a name in the first place?

-the great ones needs it, anyway it means dark if you want to translate it.

-you are bad with names you know?

-blades have the names of their own, we don’t name them.

“Must be a feature in the game, the name doesn’t matter anyway.”

Rodrigez went to back of the shop and minute after, he returned with a beautiful black sword in his hands. He handed it to Arata with care so he doesn’t touch the sharp side. It was not sheathed.

[Black Sword “Kuroi”

Damage 40-50

Strength +25

Agility +35

Attack speed +20

Reduces cost of skills by 40%

Automatic upgrades on level up. Current level 54.

Special skills unlock while leveling up.

[Sword skill: break

Using black sword, you have a chance to destroy enemy weapon.]

Sword of Twilight Swordsman Arata. Its history is yet to be told.

Unique class item

Restriction: Twilight Swordsman Class.]

“Wow, it’s damage is like five times better than my previous one.”

-hahaha your face is saying everything I wanted to hear. Happy?

Arata nodded his head to Rodrigez like a child who just got a Christmas present.

-Arata, are you done?

Afterwards, Kotori asked him.

-technically, yes.

Arata answered then he moved back and started to swing his sword in air. The sound had the good weight and a good sound while it cut through the air.

-hey you, the one who call himself the blacksmith!

In the meantime Kotori shouted.

-ah it’s you again golden shrimp. What is it again? I see that you completed your quest. Shouldn’t you be at least thankful to me for telling you where to get it.

-well thank you…

Her thanks weren’t honest.

-but I have a score to settle here. You are still selling old junk right?

-that matter again? In the first place, why do you care about other people that much?

-I don’t care about them, they are weak and useless. It’s good that they are ripped out of money as well. They would waste it.

If you were a newbie, getting close to Kotori could be really dangerous. Rodrigez laughed at her remarks.

-hahaha, I have similar look at it. So what is it, this time? I want to sleep a little more. I didn’t sleep much since five days, you know.

-all you have to do is to apologies to this girl!

She presented Yuki at front. Rodrigez answered.

-never seen her before. I wouldn’t apologize anyway. I never do things that need apologizing for. But strange hair you have there you white shrimp. Hey Arata! Is that your offspring? Hahaha.

Arata come back. He already sheathed his sword in a sheath that Marty gave him. Arata answered.

-yes, yes very funny, anyway look at her gear.

-ah, that what you are here about…

It looked like Rodrigez finally understood. He started talking with Marty.

-Marty, you are cruel you know, swindling small kids like that. You should show some mercy sometimes.

-but you said, if someone doesn’t see the difference sell them usual stuff.

-well I did but it’s a kid, anyway if you are not sure of something, just call me.

-you would do the same thing.

-I am a good guy you know.

-good guy maybe but when it comes to money it’s definitely not it. You would rob her from every penny. I only sold her some clothing that she wanted for usual price.

-Marty, if you decide to be evil, you have to stick to it. If you rob someone, rob them out from everything and leave them with nothing. That’s a definition of good shopkeeper.

Marty remarked.

-and how does it make you a good guy?

-hahaha. Anyway because you are Arata’s friend you can return those items with full refund.

-arigatou ojii-san.

-ye, ye, I am good ojii-san…

It seemed that even Rodrigez had a weak side for this kid.

-hey Arata, what does it mean?

-no idea.

-it means… .

Marty tried to explain but was interrupted.

-well it’s not important you don’t have to tell me Marty, anyway I will soon find something that will…-

Rodrigez started to open some drawers but he was interrupted by Kotori.

-stop right there!

-what is it again, golden shrimp?

-I don’t trust your sense of style. Show me everything you have and I will choose the right stuff.

-shouldn’t the little one be the one to choose it herself?

-I am helping her, so don’t try to sell yet garbage!

-hey, Arata. Keep your girlfriend in check please. I am an artist, I know my stuff.

-Kotori relax. He really is master of all crafts look at my sword.

-… fine, you can have one try.

-Marty make them some tea or something, it will take a while. Little one with white hair, give that sword to Arata for now and come with me, I will need to remake an armor so if fit your figure. It should take about the hour.

Rodrigez went to the back to his forge through the left entrance on the back wall.

-hey where are you going?

-Kotori relax, anyway Yuki give me the sword and go there with uncle Rodrigez.

Yuki removed her sword over from head and gave it to Arata, after that quickly run back to the shop.

-hmm… why didn’t she just hide it in inventory?

After about a minute Kotori asked.

-…oh, I have forgotten that she can do that, well it doesn’t matter. Hey Marty do you have anything for some higher level I could buy something?

-we mostly deal in low level stuff, as high level people don’t come here very often, we have some items sure but they are not for your class. But should you get the material master Rodrigez can make anything.

-see this smelly forge doesn’t have anything useful.

-don’t worry lady, even though our stock is limited we have very good items, for example would you be interested in those boots.

Marty took out silver boots out from the self and showed it to Kotori.

-hey Arata they give movement speed and intelligence.

-see, there are something here after all.

-hey how much is it.

-ah it’s only 15 gold.

“Well that’s suspected for an item which is for level 50 after all.”

-once again, how much is it?

Kotori winked few time and with a smile asked once again.

-I said that it’s.

-please remember that you angrier me few times already and I fell like roasting someone with my spells.

-master!

Marty screamed in panic. Kotori kept her calm and continued.

-no, no, don’t you know he is busy? Don’t disturb him. So how much is it?

-em what price would you offer?

In moment Marty lost all of his merchant abilities.

-Arata can you lead me some money as I said I used all on the game.

-well I only have 5 gold on hand, I can lead you this.

-yes please I will return them soon, anyway 5 gold for this boots is the last offer.

-but, but… hey Arata you are a friend to the shop. Help me! Master will kill me for that.

Marty tried to look for help in him but Arata didn’t even move.

-no one will ever know. And don’t look for help in Arata. He is with me on this.

Kotori had no mercy. In the end Marty gave up and sold the boots for 5 gold.

-thank you for buying, please don’t come again.

Marty said the usual phrase although he changed the last part of it.

-that’s not very nice thing to say to customers. Anyway where is the tea? You were going to bring some tea?

Marty with lowered head went up to make tea. Arata and Kotori were the only ones left now.

-you should be more nice to him you know.

-I just getting started, wait till that blacksmith comes up with some stupid clothes, I will sink him in no time.

-what are you, a devil?

-you have to be like that when doing business, my Dad thought me that. He works in business where he has to buy cheap and sell for a high price. Being merciless is very important here.

-I don’t think that you will win against Rodrigez but you can do what you want.

-haha, I won’t be like you when you got your sword.

-but it is a good sword.

-you could still complain.

-where is the sense in that? So even if those clothes will be good you are still going to complain right?

-of course! Thanks to that the price will be lower. I should help my cute little guildmate after all. I didn’t say anything when you were getting a sword because that was quest reward. I would help you if there was money on the line.

-how nice of you.

-anyway I need to think up a good response to the blacksmith as he is indeed a good talker. Normal methods won’t work. But I already saw his weak point. He has a great pride in his crafts so I will just point every little thing that isn’t done right.

-he will just laugh that off like always.

-we won’t know until we try.

First Marty came with the tea. Then after about three hour and a half Rodrigez come back. Kotori didn’t even wait until he passes the door.

-hey, old man what took you so long!

-Arata why does she keep doing it?

-happens, it’s some kind of tac…

Rodrigez completely ignored her and speak with Arata. When Arata was answering Kotori stopped his mouth with hand.

-shh!…

She whispered to him and continued loudly to Rodrigez.

-so where is Yuki!?

-changing, she will soon be here.

-why did it take so long!? Wasn’t it going to take only an hour!?

-well, it was specific design so it had to take a while. I also didn’t sleep for more than a day so I took a short nap in the meantime.

-so you did a bad job and try to say that it’s because you were tired!

Following her tactic, Kotori was already saying that clothes were made poorly before she even saw them but just like Arata expected, blacksmith Rodrigez laughed it off.

-hahaha, if you have to know then even in sleep my crafts are always of highest quality. As to why it took so long, it’s because I decided to change the design at some point. In the middle of my work I got what I call an inspiration.

-inspiration you say.

Kotori was not convinced. Arata already decided to not take part in it so he just stayed quiet. Rodrigez continued.

-my inspiration right now is in its highest gear. In few days I created rare iron shield, Arata’s sword and now this. The more great work I do, the better they become, I call it ‘a craft combo’. Ah, I live for moments like that. Just wait and see it golden shrimp then you can continue talking.

“Sorry but no matter how it will turn out you won’t escape.”

Kotori was going to complain regardless of outcome. But then, when Yuki entered the room somehow she didn’t say anything, Arata also didn’t say anything. Marty commented.

-as suspected of master Rodrigez, the shirt was made from that right?

Yuki was wearing long black boots up to the thighs. Black shorts and black gloves. Then as the main part of clothing was a white-silver shirt similar to Yuki’s hair color. Rodrigez answered to Marty.

-you can tell, don’t you? It was a perfect opportunity to use that because it was for someone as small as her.

-you didn’t have enough material to make it full sized, that’s why it was in stock lying for so long.

-exactly but it’s good that it wasn’t wasted…

They spoke about material that was used for making Yuki’s new shirt. Then Rodrigez turned to Kotori.

-hey, you golden shrimp. Do you want to comment on something?

“It turned out great. It’s like a true picture now, the balance of white and black. But Kotori will soon comment on colors. Something like, the girl should wear more colorful clothes.”

Still in the end, rather than complaining Kotori run to the Yuki and hugged her.

-ah you look so cute now! How do you feel?

-those clothes are strange a little. I never wore something like that, but they have high stats so I guess they will be okay.

-who cares about stats when it looks like that, ne Arata?

It looked like Kotori plan to complain was shot down.

“O, she switched to her cute side.”

-well it looks good on her. But Rodrigez, she fights on front line so why did you make her clothes like that?

Arata answered. He was more focused on utility of equipment. In games it was the most important thing after all. As melee fighter she should have more armor than a range type. On the other hand even though he said that, Arata himself was not following this logic as he was also going around in leather all the time. Kotori answered.

-Arata, who cares about that? She finally looks like normal girl. I will just heal her up if she gets damaged.

“No she doesn’t look like normal girl at all.”

Then Rodrigez interrupted them as he said to Arata.

-Arata she is the same as you. She wanted something that is easy to in move. Even so her armor is just as good as plate one.

-isn’t it just a thin shirt?

Arata was not convinced. Rodrigez continued.

-look can be deceiving and the material was of really high degree. The item turned out to be like one for level 100, no I would say that even way above it.

-but she is 37 right now.

-don’t worry with my skills I can change the requirements without losing on quality.

-as suspected of master Rodrigez.

While Marty was commenting on that Yuki moved to Arata and asked.

-how is it Onii-chan. I am not sure myself doesn’t it look strange?

-of course it doesn’t, right Arata?

Kotori walked up to Arata. He whispered to her.

-hey Kotori, should she wear something like that? She even says that she feels strange. Even if it is a game she is twelve remember.

-ah, do you remember my idea from back before that you didn’t want to do? I think we really should have done that. You would be perfect for a role of overprotective father.

-somehow I knew that you wanted to play house.

-anyway say something to her she is waiting. But don’t dare to tell her that she should change it.

They stopped whispering to each other and Arata answered Yuki question.

-it look okay, didn’t you wanted to have something more colorful.

-no, I wanted be like Onii-chan.

Yuki answered. In a way currently she also was black and white just like Arata.

-but colors may be.

Kotori interrupted him.

-Arata, she is happy so leave it at that. I also think that blacksmith did a good job.

Hearing it Rodrigez made a short comment.

-never thought that you will say it golden shrimp.

Arata and Kotori continued.

-but you wanted her to have a girly colorful clothes right?

-but she have girly clothes. Color also fits her nicely. Actually it would be hard to mix her white hair with anything, you know.

-well not everyone has a hair like you.

Kotori’s golden hair was unmatchable after all.

-don’t worry Onii-chan I like them that way. Anyway can you give me back my sword?

Yuki asked him but Arata was once again stunned by image of his girlfriend so he did not do that right away. Still after ten seconds.

-sure here it is. You need it for something?

-Ojii-san said that he will look at it and see if he has anything better.

-Rodrigez, I don’t think that you fill find anything better than this here.

Arata quickly said to him.

“It’s class item after all.”

-I will just take a look.

-here it is.

Yuki walked up to the blacksmith and passed him the sword.

-ah been a while since I have seen this design. It’s unique sword indeed. I am afraid that I won’t have anything like this unless you bring me specific material. Then I can make anything, it would have to be really incredible material to beat this sword though. Anyway let me see the blade.

Blacksmith caught the hilt and was going to unsheathe it but then stopped.

-hey master what is it?

Marty asked seeing indecision of Rodrigez.

-I just got cold felling when I touched it. Well there must be some curse on it.

-curse?

Yuki asked.

-ah, don’t worry as the rightful owner you won’t get affected by it. It’s rather a cure that prevents anyone else from using this sword. Anyway open it yourself. I am not afraid of curses, they normally doesn’t do much anyway. But there is no reason to get one.

Yuki took the sword and unsheathe it. The white katana clean like he hair.

-nice sword isn’t it master?

“From afar it’s, ‘oh it’s a nice looking sword’ but when it coming at your heart or your neck, you will never think like that again.”

Arata recalled deadly attacks of Yuki in their sparing match but then.

-Yuki, the name Koori is known to you?

Rodrigez made a strange comment. He even used Yuki’s name instead of some kind of shrimp.

-that the name of this sword.

Yuki answered. Rodrigez froze for a second. Arata asked him.

-hey what’s up? Is something wrong?

Rodrigez started to laugh but in other way than before.

-hehehehe, and here I thought that meeting twilight swordsman was a unique event. Who would have thought? Ah, it’s an honor for me that you will wear my crafts young lady.

Arata was the one who was most surprised by that.

-what happened to your attitude out of sudden? Yuki you understand it?

-I don’t.

-ah I see that you guys still don’t know. Of course you don’t, you are all still beginners.

Rodrigez commented.

-what should we know?

Arata asked.

-it’s about… No, it’s better than you don’t know about it. I don’t plan to tell you. Marty if you figured it out as well, stay silent.

-I also have no idea what is it about.

-hey, tell us about it!

-no, no. I will just go to sleep and think about it as nothing but a dream. Before that however, here is an advice for you girl. Don’t go around showing this blade to someone like me who knows his craft. It’s better if ‘it’ stay silent for now.

-what will stay silent?

Arata’s questions were not answered.

-it’s only a dream so I don’t have to answer. Anyway good luck on your journey Arata, Yuki and even you golden shrimp as you will need a lot of it.

Rodrigez waved his hand and walk up the stairs. Kotori asked.

-Arata, you understand anything out of it?

-it’s something about Yuki’s profession I guess.

-so Yuki got unique class. We already have many unique classes in our guild so it doesn’t make a huge difference. You yourself have even two.

-yes class is secondary thing anyway. What is important is individual skill of every player. Let’s just ignore it.

They walked outside the blacksmith shop and Kotori soon asked.

-emm… Arata you won’t ask?

-you know it’s rude to ask people about their classes.

-there is no way that I won’t ask after seeing reaction like that. Hey Yuki what is your class?

Kotori right away asked her but Yuki only answered.

-sorry Onee-chan, I can’t tell anyone, even to you and Onii-chan.

-why is that!? You are shy!? Well you don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to.

“I also didn’t except her to refuse. Well hiding class is natural as it gives away your weakness but she shouldn’t care with us. Also the class system in this game is so complicated that the name isn’t much. If there were say ten classes then I would know the spells of all of them and know what to expect but if there is unlimited number of classes then it’s impossible.”

-no, I want to tell you but I can’t. If I do that, I won’t be able to stay with you anymore.

-why is that?

-Gerald, I mean leader told me that if I tell someone about my class he will kick me out.

“For Gerald to say something like this? Well, I sure he had his reasons. But I already got bad feeling about the whole thing.”

Arata stayed logical but Kotori right away bursted out.

-hey Arata, you heard that!

It was actually the first time that Arata saw her angry. Although to him her angry state was still really cute.

-easy Kotori.

-I going to him right now and tell him that if he dares to kick Yuki out then we are leaving as well!

-take it easy Kotori.

-no way, I can take it easy! Also Arata you have to beat him up at least once or twice or I won’t be satisfied!

“And how I am supposed to stop that?”

-you are the one that just said that she don’t have to tell us her class.

-that is one thing! Kicking our little Yuki out because she tell someone her class is different! Anyway we are going to the hill now! If he is still asleep we will have good chance at surprise attack!

-hey Kotori wait.

-no time to wait Arata! Yuki you just stay back and watch as we deal with him. Arata you said that he will be a good leader so I believed you but can you still say that?

-sure, Gerald is a good leader.

-good leader wouldn’t kick anyone because of that!

-stop fighting!

Yuki interrupted them.

-what is it Yuki? Don’t worry, we will soon get that leader of ours and… .

-Onee-chan you don’t understand.

-what I don’t understand? Didn’t he tell you that he may kick you from guild if you just say one thing?

“Well even if he had a reason it might be a little too harsh. Especially for an 11 years old kid, like Yuki. Also, we can’t give up on someone who can defeat the forest bear for sure.”

-it’s not like this…

Yuki started explaining.

-I will tell you the whole story. The first time I meet leader was when he found me on the road when I was going to the Loris, after I completing the quest in the forest.

-on the road? I thought he was looking for members only in the village wasn’t he?

Arata already found it strange.

-he might have started to look around elsewhere.

Kotori commented. Yuki simply continued.

-I don’t know if he was looking there or not but when we first meet I was about an hour in walking distance away from the village, and he didn’t look like he was looking for people there.

-so how did he end up there?

Arata asked.

-I don’t know. I think he was looking for something.

-and what did he found?

-no, he didn’t find anything, when I saw him first time. He was simply standing on the road looking around. I asked if he lost something on the way as he was doing that. I thought that maybe I saw it somewhere and would be able to help.

-and? and?

-well he said something strange. The words were “I am looking for something that I know is not here.” He really was convinced that this thing was not there but even despite that he kept looking around for nearly an hour. He had a desperate look in his eyes, completely different from his usual smiling face…

“Desperate look, him?”

-because I felt like I shouldn’t just leave him there, I stayed till he finished. Although he didn’t actually do anything in particular. When he finished I spoke with him a little and asked if he knows any strong opponents. When I asked that he told me about guild test and if I feel like joining for the test as he doesn’t have enough people. After I said that I want to go, he told me to meet him at the hill, the one where we meet today. Then he ran back to village as he had to look for more people. He disappeared from my sight in few seconds despite the ground being flat.

-okay, there are few concerning part in your story already but when did he tell you about kicking you out?

-well it’s not exactly like that. Anyway after I passed the test, leader showed up. Although, he wasn’t in his usual mood. He was not happy, I guess.

-what do you mean not happy. He found golden egg for guild. He should be happy.

-he was not, actually his voice was quite sad. Maybe he was just tired. It felt that while he was looking at me, it was like he was looking at someone else. Anyway at that moment he told me that I shouldn’t tell anyone about my class and if it not necessary, restrain from using skill too much in other people presence so no one can figure it out.

-hey Arata isn’t it strange? Not using skills?

-she can manage without them anyway so maybe it’s some kind of training. I am also not using my skills if not necessary. So Yuki at that moment Gerald told you that he will kick you out if you tell someone?

-no, he just said that I can’t tell about my class to anyone even to people who are in the same guild and if I can’t come up with reason for it, I can tell this lie.

-see Kotori there is no problem.

-so he just wants to keep a secret to himself, eh.

Kotori said that but Yuki denied it strongly.

-that’s not true! I don’t know why but he was really worried about me. He even said that even if someone will find out, he will do his best as guild leader and take responsibility for it.

-okay, now I want to know even more right now. Please Yuki, you have to tell us!

-Kotori stop it. Yuki keep your word and don’t tell anyone about it.

-hey Arata why so serious? You know what it is about? Even if she tells us no one will ever know.

-no idea, but you should leave it for now.

-sure after I find out I will leave it alone.

-Kotori, just leave it.

-but aren’t you curious about it? It’s probably just some new crazy idea of his.

-anyway just leave it, okay?

-but.

-promise!

-okay, okay. But know that I doing it only because you asked me for it. But you also shouldn’t take it so serious.

-Onee-chan is right, you don’t have worry. Leader also said that it’s not that serious but it’s just better to be it that way.

-there is no problem so I don’t have to worry at all. If something is going to bound to happen it will happen. Anyway let’s go to the gate.

Arata said.

-weren’t we supposed to get there tomorrow morning?

Kotori asked.

-it’s already nearly a night time so we will just go there now. Sleep and be ready tomorrow right away.

-let’s find some inn and finally sleep in some bed. I didn’t sleep in a bed in this game so far.

-it’s nothing special it’s the same as normal sleeping.

Arata answered as he had experience in sleeping in bed in Marco’s restaurant.

-I just hope we find something.

They went and found a place to sleep near the gate. During the night Arata thought about what have happened. He at least knew, that Gerald wouldn’t say things like that just because he wanted to play around. The matter must have been at least a little serious but what could it be Arata did not know. Although he told Kotori to leave it up, he decided to ask Gerald about it the first time when he got the chance.

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